Finnish Salmon Soup on a Carnivore Diet: Best Recipe + Tips

Can You Eat Finnish Salmon Soup on a Carnivore Diet?

Yes, you can have Finnish salmon soup on a Carnivore Diet by removing the vegetables and keeping the seafood and creamy broth that make Lohikeitto famous.

A Carnivore-friendly Finnish salmon soup can be made using:

• Salmon
• Fish stock or bone broth
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Salt

This version contains no carbohydrates while providing high-quality protein, omega-3 fats, vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins.

Learn More: 20 Best Carnivore Soup Recipes + Tips and Benefits

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Carnivore Finnish Salmon Soup Recipe

To make Carnivore Finnish salmon soup, you need about 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. So, you can make 4 servings of this yummy soup in just about 30 minutes, using the ingredients and instructions below.

You can also use these free Carnivore Diet Recipes to learn more low-carb and zero-carb meal ideas.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) salmon fillets
• 6 cups fish stock or bone broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp white pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Add broth to a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir in butter until melted.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
4. Cut salmon into chunks and add them to the broth mixture.
5. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. Avoid boiling.
6. Add salt and pepper (if using).
7. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Enjoy!

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 560 kcal | Protein: 42 g | Fat: 40 g | Carbohydrates: 1 g

Learn More: 15 Simple Carnivore Soup Recipes with Chicken, Beef and Pork

Nutrition in Original Finnish Salmon Soup vs. the Carnivore Version

The table below compares the nutrients in the original Finnish salmon soup and the tweaked, Carnivore-friendly version.

So, as the table above shows, you can try the Carnivore version of this soup even if you are not on a Carnivore Diet to enjoy its nutrients! The Carnivore Finnish soup also has different variations.

Learn More: Carnivore Chicken Soup with Butter and Broth

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Variations to the Carnivore Finnish Salmon Soup

• Dairy-Free Carnivore Version: Replace cream with extra butter, beef tallow, and more bone broth.
• Brown Butter Finnish Salmon Soup:  Brown the butter before adding it to the broth.
• Extra-Fat Version: Add 2 additional tablespoons of butter and salmon belly pieces.‍
• Smoked Salmon Version: Replace 25% of the salmon with hot-smoked salmon.

Instant Pot Finnish Salmon Soup

Using an Instant Pot, you can cut the cooking time in half and make the Finnish salmon soup ready in just about 15 minutes. To make this version:

1. Add broth, cream, butter, and salt.
2. Pressure cook for 2 minutes.
3. Quick-release pressure.
4. Add salmon chunks.
5. Use Sauté mode for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked.

Learn More: 30-Day Carnivore Diet Meal Plan PDF (Downloadable File)

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Low-Carb Finnish Salmon Soup

If you follow a Low-Carb Diet rather than a zero-carb Carnivore, you can add:

• 1 tbsp fresh dill
• ½ sliced leek
• 1 tbsp chopped chives

These additions make the taste of your soup more similar to the original Finnish Lohikeitto. But it increases carbohydrates to about 4 grams and calories to about 565 kcal per serving.

Carbohydrates aside, the main ingredient in this Finnish soup is salmon. Using high-quality, fresh salmon is the key to making a delicious meal. You can choose different kinds of salmon. Let’s check some of the best options.

Learn More: Beef Tongue Recipe: Beef Tongue Tacos for Keto and Carnivore

The Best Salmon for Finnish Salmon Soup

• Atlantic Salmon: It is rich and buttery, the most affordable, and great for creamy soups
• Sockeye Salmon: It has a stronger flavor, leaner texture, and higher omega-3 content
• King Salmon: It has the richest flavor and highest fat content, and is great for Carnivore Diets
• Coho Salmon: It has a mild flavor, medium fat content, and is budget-friendly

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How to Make the Broth Taste Better?

• Use homemade fish stock.
• Simmer salmon bones.
• Add butter instead of extra water.
• Use heavy cream rather than milk.
• Let the soup rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Learn More: Best Diet for Losing Weight from Belly: Low- vs. High-Carb?

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Why is my salmon dry? The soup was boiled instead of gently simmered.
2. Why is my soup watery? The broth-to-cream ratio is too high.
3. Why did my cream separate? The soup boiled after the cream was added.
4. Why does my soup taste fishy? The salmon was not fresh or was overcooked.
5. Why did the salmon fall apart? The salmon was cooked too long or was stirred too much.

How to Store and Freeze Finnish Salmon Soup

You can store the Finnish salmon soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge and up to 2 months in the freezer. When reheating, warm it gently over low heat and ensure it does not boil.

Learn More: The Healthiest Fast Food Meals for Keto and Carnivore Diets

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Tips

• Add salmon near the end of cooking.
• Never boil after adding cream.
• Use salmon belly for a richer soup.
• Homemade stock gives the best flavor.
• Let the soup rest before serving.
• Slightly undercook the salmon for the best texture.

FAQs

Let’s find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Carnivore Finnish salmon soup.

Learn More: The Best Hamburger Meat Keto Recipe: Easy, Low-Carb Dinner

What Does Lohikeitto Mean?

Lohikeitto means "salmon soup" in Finnish.

Is Finnish Salmon Soup Healthy?

Yes, it is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium.

Can I Make Lohikeitto Without Potatoes?

Yes, you can omit the potatoes and use more salmon or broth.

Is Finnish Salmon Soup Keto?

Yes, the original versions can be keto-friendly depending on the amount of potatoes used. The Carnivore version is naturally Keto.

Learn More: 7-Day High Protein Diet Meal Plan to Build Muscle & Lose Fat

Is Finnish Salmon Soup Carnivore?

The original Lohikeitto is not Carnivore because it contains vegetables. But you can make it Carnivore-friendly using the above recipe.

Can I Use Frozen Salmon?

Yes, thaw it completely before cooking to get the best texture.

Can I Use Canned Salmon?

Yes, but fresh salmon gives a better flavor and texture.

What Cream Works Best?

Heavy cream with at least 36% fat provides the best result.

Can I Make the Finnish Salmon Soup Dairy-Free?

Yes, replace cream with more butter, tallow, or bone broth.

Learn More: 15 High Carbohydrate Foods with Better Low-Carb Alternatives

Can You Freeze Finnish Salmon Soup?

Yes, the texture may change slightly after thawing, but the soup is safe to eat.

What Fish Can Replace Salmon?

You can use trout, Arctic char, steelhead, and cod.

How Long Does Salmon Soup Last?

Up to 3 days in the refrigerator in airtight containers.