Best Seafood Appetizers

Sardine Pâté

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Tinned fish has been having its moment lately, and I think sardines deserve all the positive attention they’re getting. This sardine pâté is simple and will please the palates of everyone – even picky eaters.

Calories: 183 | Carbs: 4 grams | Protein: 12 grams | Cooking time: 10 minutes

Smoked Salmon Dip

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I could happily eat this smoked salmon dip with a spoon, but it’s even better scooped up with crackers or veggies. Creamy, smoky, and a little tangy, it’s the kind of appetizer that looks fancy but takes almost no effort. Low-carb and gluten-free friendly!

Calories: 82 | Carbs: 3 grams | Protein: 5 grams | Prepping time: 20 minutes

Taramosalata (Ταραµοσαλάτα)

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Taramosalata is the classic and traditional pink Greek dip or spread. This version is made with fish roe and potatoes and is so easy to make. Nutrition info is not available. Recipe from Mia Kouppa.

Paleo Crab Dip (Whole30, Keto)

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This decadent dip is loaded with flaky crab and sealed with a golden layer baked to perfection with creamy, dairy-free excellence in each bite. Recipe from What Great Grandma Ate.

Calories: 319 | Carbs: 2 grams | Protein: 12 grams | Cooking time: 20 minutes

Garlic Butter Shrimp

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These are the best garlic butter shrimp (prawns) – a mash-up between Hawaiian garlic shrimp and Spanish garlic prawns. These are great to pick up with your fingers or you can serve them on mini toasts or in lettuce cups.

Calories (per appetizer-size serve): 165 | Carbs: 5.5 grams | Protein: 11 grams | Cooking time: 30 minutes

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

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There’s culinary perfection in the combination of scallops and bacon. When expertly cooked, the scallops maintain firmness, showcasing a swift sear on both sides. Complement this with crisp, smoky bacon and a sweet glaze, transforming this recipe into a lavish indulgence.

Calories: 212 | Carbs: 8.5 grams | Protein: 8 grams | Cooking time: 15 minutes

Grilled Shrimp With Three Sauces

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Upgrade the classic shrimp cocktail experience with my party-ready recipe featuring not one, but three delightful sauce options: Romesco, curry aioli, and a creamy avocado sauce. Present it on a platter or opt for a more cocktail-style vibe.

Calories: 86 | Carbs: < 1 gram | Protein: 14.5 grams | Cooking time: 25 minutes

Tuna Cabbage Patties

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You will love these cheesy, crispy Tuna Cabbage Patties (or fritters) with spicy garlic mayonnaise dipping sauce. Low-carb, keto, gluten-free.

Calories (1 patty + 1/2 tbsp sauce): 160 | Carbs: 1.9 grams | Protein: 9.3 grams | Cooking time: 25 minutes

Hot Honey Salmon Bites

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These fried salmon bites are made in the air fryer for a healthy and addictive appetizer, sized perfectly to stick with toothpicks for easy snacking. Serve with a creamy hot honey sauce. Recipe from Well Seasoned Studio.

Calories: 570 | Carbs: 23 grams | Protein: 38 grams | Cooking time: 30 minutes

Clams Casino

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This dish is designed to impress with gorgeous presentation and baked to perfection with garlic breadcrumbs, bacon, and roasted red pepper. If you’ve never prepared clams before, this is a good place to start. Recipe from Sip and Feast.

Calories: 523 | Carbs: 4 grams | Protein: 32 grams | Cooking time: 30 minutes

Baked Salmon Sushi Cups

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Discover the TikTok sensation with this recipe that captures the essence of sushi. Merge your favorite spicy salmon roll ingredients into bite-sized nori cups, creating a homemade delight that’s as simple to make as it is to enjoy. Recipe from Kale Junkie.

Calories: 132 | Carbs: 8 grams | Protein: 13 grams | Cooking time: 35 minutes

Oysters Rockefeller

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There are many ways to serve oysters both raw and cooked. Oysters Rockefeller feature a crispy layer of herb-infused spinach and a baked layer of bread crumbs, mellowing out that salty punch of a raw oyster. Recipe from Garlic and Zest.

Calories: 141 | Carbs: 11 grams | Protein: 5 grams | Cooking time: 45 minutes

Baked Mussels with Cheese and Garlic

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Don’t underestimate the ease of serving an appetizer in a shell. Perfectly handheld, these mussels baked with a garlic cheese blend are a Filipino recipe that will make seafood skeptics come back for seconds. Recipe from Pups with Chopsticks.

Calories: 512 | Carbs: 8 grams | Protein: 35 grams | Cooking time: 45 minutes

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

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Mushrooms make the perfect bowl for a decadent baked crab mixture. These stuffed mushrooms are an exceptionally easy appetizer to make with a serious gourmet edge. Recipe from Cafe Delites.

Calories: 59 | Carbs: 4 grams | Protein: 4 grams | Cooking time: 35 minutes

Smoked Trout & Potato Rosti Canapé

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These smoked trout & potato rosti canapé are the perfect mouthful for entertaining. The rosti are topped with rich smoked trout & tangy light yogurt. Recipe from Belly Rumbles.

Calories (per piece): 21 | Carbs: 3 grams | Protein: 1 gram | Cooking time: 30 minutes

Salmon Crudo

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This salmon crudo is my kind of fancy—minimal effort, maximum wow factor. Fresh, silky salmon gets a citrusy, herby upgrade with olive oil, capers, and a hint of spice. It’s light, refreshing, and just the thing when you want to impress without actually cooking. Oh, and it’s gluten-free and low-carb!

Calories: 156 per serving | Carbs: 6 grams | Protein: 11 grams | Prep time: 20 minutes

Oysters with Zesty Vietnamese Dressing

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Add a boost of nutrients with these spectacular fresh oysters with Vietnamese dressing. These are Paleo, Whole30, keto, and gluten-free friendly.

Calories: 150 per 3 oysters | Carbs: 9.6 grams | Protein: 14.6 grams | Cooking time: 5 minutes

Mango Halibut Ceviche

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Explore the versatile world of ceviche with this recipe that embraces various fish types and creative mix-ins. Traditionally enjoyed with chips for that perfect scoop of vibrant flavor, the raw halibut is transformed into a delectable dish with a zesty citrus marinade. Recipe from Downshiftology.

Calories: 231 | Carbs: 17 grams | Protein: 23 grams | Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos with Wasabi Mayo

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Fried wonton chips, fresh seared ahi tuna, avocado, and wasabi mayo make up this party-appropriate platter for an impressive dish bursting with vibrant color and incredible flavor. Recipe from Cooking with Cocktail Rings.

Calories: 514 | Carbs: 35 grams | Protein: 16 grams | Cooking time: 30 minutes

Shrimp Ceviche

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This light and refreshing recipe for shrimp ceviche is a show stopping recipe for all your summer events boasting a rainbow of fresh and simple ingredients. Recipe from Kaleifornia Kravings.

Calories: 223 | Carbs: 8.5 grams | Protein: 30 grams | Cooking time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Tuna Carpaccio

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This Italian delicacy is made with fresh Saku Tuna and capers, olive oil and lemon juice on top and makes the perfect appetizer! Recipe from Two Purple Figs.

Calories (as a pre-dinner appetizer): 260 (fewer is served as bite-size canapes) | Carbs: 5 grams | Protein: 22 grams | Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

Spicy Tuna Roll

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Everyone loves to snack on sushi. Show up to the table with your own spicy tuna roll. With a few key tools and ingredients, it’s actually so easy to DIY your favorite creations. Recipe from The Wooden Skillet.

Calories: 643 | Carbs: 102 grams | Protein: 16 grams | Cooking time: 10 minutes

Cloud Bread Blinis With Smoked Salmon

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Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and chives make the perfect blini topping. These tiny “cloud bread” pancakes are low-carb for a healthy alternative.

Calories: 155 | Carbs: 2 grams | Protein: 13.5 grams | Cooking time: 35 minutes

Pull Apart Lobster Sliders

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Step up your dinner rolls with these buttery, herb-infused lobster sliders for an effortlessly elegant appetizer. Recipe from Wild Thistle Kitchen.

Calories: 191 | Carbs: 16 grams | Protein: 10 grams | Cooking time: 40 minutes

Catalan Tomato Bread with Spanish Anchovies

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Savor the taste of Spain with these tiny toasts. A luscious blend of ripe tomatoes on a high-quality baguette is made complete by the addition of anchovies, creating a delightful appetizer tailored for the discerning palate. Recipe from Spain on a Fork.

Calories: 151 | Carbs: 15 grams | Protein: 5 grams | Cooking time: 20 minutes

Sardine and Cream Cheese Rillettes

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Try this crostini recipe with a French-inspired sardine and cream cheese blend, crowned with cornichons—an impressive recipe that proves canned ingredients can be extraordinary! Recipe from Pardon Your French.

Calories: 112 | Carbs: 14 grams | Protein: 6.5 grams | Cooking time: 10 minutes

10-Minute Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

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Deliciously savory smoked salmon pinwheels rolled up with chive and dill cream cheese and fresh spinach. An easy, healthy appetizer or snack! Recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

Calories (per 2 pinwheels): 132 | Carbs: 10 grams | Protein: 6.1 grams | Cooking time: 10 minutes

Crab Rangoon Egg Rolls

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Crab Rangoon is the perfect fried appetizer to order for the table. Impress your guests or kickstart your home-cooked meal with these golden egg rolls, filled with a decadent blend of shrimp and cream cheese. Recipe from Kitchen Fun with my Three Sons.

Calories: 181 | Carbs: 14 grams | Protein: 11 grams | Cooking time: 25 minutes

Fried Calamari

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Enjoy this “deep-fried” squid in this lighter recipe battered with cassava flour and fried in avocado oil. You can even opt to make it in the air-fryer. Recipe from Nom Nom Paleo.

Calories: 280 | Carbs: 16 grams | Protein: 20 grams | Cooking time: 40 minutes