Creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights, this keto clam chowder is shockingly easy despite all the flavor packed into every bite. Make it for meal prep or to feed a crowd–you don’t have to eat low carb to love it!
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Is clam chowder high in carbs?
Traditional clam chowder calls for a roux (half butter, half flour) to thicken it. It also contains potatoes and/or corn. One bowl of storebought clam chowder will typically contain around 43 g of carbs.
On the other hand, this keto clam chowder substitutes potatoes for cauliflower. It’s thickened with xanthan gum, which is significantly stronger than flour so very little is used!
What’s in Low Carb Clam Chowder?
This clam chowder comes together with your creamy soup basics. Here’s what to grab:
- Veggies: We’ll use a combination of carrots, celery, and onions.
- Potato substitute: Cauliflower is great here! Dice it up the same size as your veggies for even cooking.
- Broth: Instead of cow’s milk, we’ll use almond milk, chicken broth, heavy cream, and red wine vinegar.
What type of clams are best for keto clam chowder?
Use canned, minced clams–you can find them in the grocery store next to the canned tuna and salmon. If you’d prefer to use fresh clams, I suggest using quahog clams.
How can you thicken your clam chowder without using flour or a roux?
We’ll use 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken our gluten free clam chowder. Traditional clam chowder recipes can call for up to 3/4 cup of flour to thicken, but xanthan gum is that strong of a thickener (more about it here).
Swaps + Tweaks
Want to add your twist to this low carb clam chowder? Here are some ideas for you.
- Try a different protein: You can turn this into a keto seafood chowder with flaked salmon–any leftover baked salmon will do. You can even use shredded chicken for keto chicken soup.
- Add more veggies: Anything you’re craving! Psst–radishes make a great potato sub (like in my keto beef stew).
- Thicken more: by adding an additional pinch of xanthan gum.
How to Make Keto Clam Chowder
Of all my keto soups, this one comes together the most quickly and easily–I love making it on busy weeknights. Here’s how:
- Simmer – Add all ingredients to your pot except the clams, vinegar, and xanthan gum, and bring to a simmer. Cook until veggies are fork-tender.
- Heat – Add the clams, vinegar, and xanthan gum. Remove from heat once clams are heated through.
- Adjust – Taste and adjust the flavor of your broth to your liking.
How to Serve Gluten Free Clam Chowder
Serve this keto clam chowder with freshly baked keto biscuits, or topped with crumbled keto crackers (feel free to shape them like oyster crackers!).
More Amazing Keto Seafood Recipes
Keto Clam Chowder
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup onion diced
- 2 cups cauliflower diced
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk Unsweetened
- 1 1/2 cup Chicken broth reduced sodium
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 (6.5 ounce cans) minced clams drained
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum optional
Instructions
- Add carrots, celery, onion, cauliflower, almond milk, chicken broth, heavy cream, salt, and pepper to a large, heavy bottom pot, and bring to a boil. Quickly reduce to a simmer, and place a lid on top. Continue to cook the veggies until they're fork tender, about 12-15 minutes depending on your simmer.
- Stir in the clams and remove your chowder from heat as soon as they're heated through (this will prevent them from getting tough). Stir in the vinegar. If using the xanthan gum, sprinkle in an even layer over the top and quickly stir into the soup so it doesn't clump.
- Taste, and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives or parsley. Enjoy!
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Lindsey’s Tips
- Xanthan gum + soup thickness – traditional clam chowder is made with potatoes, and as they cook, they release potato starch to thicken the chowder. Since this keto version doesn’t contain potatoes, I add xanthan gum to thicken it. This is optional, so see if you like the thickness after your soup has simmered. Xanthan gum clumps easily, so sprinkle it all over your soup and incorporate it quickly.
