Low-Carb Seafood Dinners That Taste Like Takeout You Have to Try
Craving takeout but trying to eat low-carb? You’re not alone. Many of us want meals that taste amazing without loading up on carbs. The good news? You don’t have to give up bold flavors or your favorite dishes. Especially when it comes to seafood.
Seafood is naturally low in carbs, high in protein, and full of flavor. From shrimp to scallops to fishcakes, you can make easy and tasty dinners that feel like takeout — but are healthier and homemade.
Here are 5 low-carb seafood dinner ideas you’ll love. They’re quick, delicious, and perfect for weeknights. Let’s dive in.
1. Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry
This dish is a flavor bomb. Fishcakes bring that satisfying bite, and scallops add sweetness and tenderness. Add in crunchy veggies and a savory stir-fry sauce, and you’ve got a takeout-style meal ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Fishcakes (cut into small pieces)
- Fresh or frozen scallops (patted dry)
- Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas
- Garlic and ginger
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos (low-carb)
- Sesame oil
- Green onions (optional)
How to Make:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan.
- Add scallops and sear until golden, then remove.
- Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and veggies until just tender.
- Add fishcakes and cook until lightly crispy.
- Return scallops, add soy sauce, and toss everything together.
Tip: Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy as is — no noodles needed!
This recipe feels like something you’d get from a trendy Asian restaurant, but it’s fast, fresh, and totally low-carb.
2. Lemon Garlic Shrimp over Zoodles
Shrimp cooks in minutes and pairs perfectly with zucchini noodles (aka zoodles). This dish is light, bright, and full of garlic-lemon flavor. Plus, it’s ready faster than delivery.
Ingredients:
- Peeled and deveined shrimp
- Zucchini (spiralized)
- Garlic
- Lemon juice and zest
- Olive oil
- Chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic in olive oil.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Add lemon juice and zest.
- Toss in zoodles and cook for 1–2 minutes until just soft.
Tip: Don’t overcook the zoodles — they should be tender, not soggy.
This is a great low-carb alternative to shrimp scampi or garlic noodles.
3. Baked Salmon with Creamy Spinach
Salmon is rich, satisfying, and packed with omega-3s. When baked and topped with creamy spinach, it feels fancy — but it’s actually super simple.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
- Fresh spinach
- Garlic
- Cream cheese or heavy cream (low-carb option)
- Parmesan cheese
Steps:
- Season and bake salmon at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Sauté garlic and spinach in olive oil.
- Add cream cheese or a splash of cream to make it saucy.
- Spoon spinach over cooked salmon.
Tip: You can add a little mustard or lemon to the spinach for extra flavor.
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and super comforting without any carbs from pasta or rice.
4. Coconut Curry Shrimp
Want bold, warming flavors without rice or noodles? Coconut curry shrimp is rich, creamy, and naturally low-carb. Serve it with steamed cauliflower rice or just a spoon.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp
- Garlic and ginger
- Onion
- Coconut milk (unsweetened, full fat)
- Curry powder or paste
- Lime juice
- Cilantro (optional)
How to Make:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger.
- Add curry powder and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and tender.
- Finish with lime juice and fresh cilantro.
Tip: You can add spinach or bell peppers for extra texture.
It’s creamy, spicy, and perfect for cozy nights in.
5. Spicy Tuna Lettuce Wraps
Forget the bread or rice — lettuce wraps are your best friend. These spicy tuna wraps are quick to make and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
- Canned or cooked tuna
- Mayo or Greek yogurt
- Sriracha or chili sauce
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce)
- Shredded carrots or cucumber (optional)
Steps:
- Mix tuna with mayo, sriracha, and soy sauce.
- Spoon into lettuce leaves.
- Top with sliced cucumber or carrots.
Tip: Use avocado slices for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
These wraps are light, refreshing, and full of flavor. They feel like sushi rolls — minus the rice.
Why These Recipes Work
- Low-Carb Friendly: No pasta, no bread, no problem. These dishes skip the heavy carbs but still keep you full and happy.
- High Protein: Seafood is full of protein, which helps you stay satisfied longer.
- Fast Cooking: Most of these meals take 15–20 minutes or less.
- Better Than Takeout: You get all the flavor without the extra salt, sugar, and carbs.
- Budget-Friendly: Seafood doesn’t have to be expensive. Frozen shrimp or canned tuna work great.
Final Thoughts
Eating low-carb doesn’t mean boring meals. These seafood dinners are proof that healthy food can be fast, fun, and full of flavor. Whether you try the Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry, the spicy tuna wraps, or creamy baked salmon, you’re in for a delicious time.
The best part? You can make all of them at home with simple ingredients — and no guilt.
So, skip the takeout tonight. Try one of these low-carb seafood dinners instead. Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
More Low-Carb Recipe Ideas:
- Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl – A Quick Weeknight Meal
- Creamy Garlic Chicken with Spinach
- Zucchini Lasagna Rolls
- Eggplant Pizza Bites