Hey there, seafood lovers! I’ve been getting tons of questions about shrimp calories lately, so I thought I’d dive deep into this topic. As someone who loves cooking healthy meals, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about the calories in shrimp.
The Quick Answer
A serving of 12 medium shrimp (shelled) contains:
- 76-86 calories
- 1.41g fat
- 0.74g carbs
- 16.55g protein
Breaking Down Shrimp Calories by Preparation Method
Let me tell ya, not all shrimp are created equal when it comes to calories! The way you cook these little guys can make a huge difference. Here’s what I’ve found:
Basic Cooking Methods
- Boiled/Steamed: 76-86 calories per 12 medium shrimp
- Grilled: ~430 calories per 12 pieces (when prepared with oil)
- Raw: 51 calories per 12 medium shrimp
Common Serving Sizes and Their Calories
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 small shrimp | 6 |
| 1 medium shrimp | 7 |
| 1 large shrimp | 9 |
| 1 cup cooked | 209 |
| 100g | 144 |
Nutritional Breakdown of 12 Medium Shrimp
Here’s the cool thing about shrimp – they’re packed with nutrients while being super low in calories! Let’s break it down
Macronutrient Distribution
- Protein: 81% of calories
- Fat: 15% of calories
- Carbs: 4% of calories
Key Nutrients
- Cholesterol: 124mg (41% DV)
- Sodium: 368mg (16% DV)
- Iron: 1.77mg (10% DV)
- Calcium: 40mg (3% DV)
- Potassium: 106mg (2% DV)
Why Shrimp is a Dieter’s Best Friend
I gotta tell you shrimp is like a secret weapon for anyone watching their calories! Here’s why I love recommending them
-
High Protein Content
- 16.55g protein per 12 shrimp
- Perfect for muscle building
- Keeps you feeling full longer
-
Low Calorie Density
- Only about 7 calories per medium shrimp
- Great alternative to higher-calorie proteins
- Can eat more volume for fewer calories
-
Minimal Fat Content
- Just 1.41g total fat per serving
- Mostly healthy fats
- Lower in calories than other proteins
Tips for Keeping Shrimp Low-Calorie
Lemme share some pro tips I’ve learned for keeping shrimp healthy:
- Skip the butter and use lemon juice for flavoring
- Choose grilling or steaming over frying
- Season with herbs instead of high-calorie sauces
- Watch the sodium content in pre-cooked varieties
- ⚖️ Measure portions (12 medium shrimp = 1 serving)
Common Mistakes That Add Calories
We’ve all been there! Here are some ways people accidentally turn low-cal shrimp into a calorie bomb:
- Heavy breading
- Excessive butter or oil
- Creamy sauces
- Deep frying
- Too much cocktail sauce
Comparing Shrimp to Other Proteins
Check this out – shrimp is actually one of the leanest proteins you can eat! Here’s how 3 oz servings compare:
- Shrimp: 90 calories
- Chicken breast: 140 calories
- Flank steak: 150 calories
- Salmon: 156 calories
- Tuna: 119 calories
Final Thoughts
Well, there ya have it! Now you know everything about calories in shrimp. I personally love adding them to my meal prep because they’re so versatile and diet-friendly. Just remember – keep the preparation simple, watch your portions, and you’ll have a delicious, low-calorie protein option that’s hard to beat!
Got any questions about cooking shrimp? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’d love to hear your favorite ways to prepare these tasty crustaceans while keeping the calories in check.
P.S. Don’t forget to pin this guide for later – you never know when you’ll need to reference these shrimp nutrition facts!
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
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How many calories are in Shrimp? Fattening?
FAQ
How many calories are in a dozen shrimp?
How many calories are in 12 large shrimp?
12 large shrimps (Crustaceans, mixed species, raw) contains 60 Calories The macronutrient breakdown is 5% carbs, 14% fat, and 81% protein. This has a relatively low calorie density, with 71 Calories per 100g.
Is shrimp ok for weight loss?
Wild-caught salmon, shrimp, cod, tilapia, and tuna are all great options for weight loss, and they can be enjoyed in many different ways. By incorporating seafood into your weight loss diet, you can enjoy satisfying meals that support your health and weight loss goals.
How many pieces of shrimp are 100 calories?
9 shrimp of Kirkland Signature shrimp (Raw, Tail On, Frozen, 31-40 count) contains 100 Calories The macronutrient breakdown is 12% carbs, 5% fat, and 83% …
How many calories are in 12 shrimp?
In a 76 calorie serving of 12 shrimp: We can see that shrimp offer high protein content with minimal fat and carbs per calorie. The majority of shrimp’s calories, about 81%, come from its protein. Shrimp also provide vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidant astaxanthin. Calorie Factors: Size, Preparation Method and Weight
How many calories are in a serving of shrimp?
A 3-4 ounce serving of shrimp averages 100-120 calories, aligning nicely with a standard portion of protein in a meal. So for a flavorful, nutrient-dense protein low in carbs and fat, shrimp should continue to play a delicious role in healthy diets and lifestyles.
How many calories are in 100 grams of shrimp?
There are 106 calories in 100 grams of Shrimp. Calorie breakdown: 16% fat, 4% carbs, 81% protein. There are 106 calories in 100 grams of Shrimp. Get full nutrition facts and other common serving sizes of Shrimp including 1 small and 1 medium. How many ounces of cooked shrimp are in a serving?
How many calories are in a medium cooked shrimp?
For comparison, Nutritionix data lists 12 medium cooked shrimp at 86 calories total, with each shrimp averaging around 7 calories So in the range of 76-86 calories is a reasonable estimate for total calories in 12 basic medium shrimp When adding sauces, oils or deep frying, calories will increase. Shrimp Nutrition Facts and Macronutrients
How many calories are in 20 shrimp?
Conversely, 20 large shrimp provide 148 Calories, containing 16g fat, 4g carbohydrates, and 81g protein. Steamed or boiled medium shrimp yield about 138 Calories per 20 pieces, maintaining similar macronutrient proportions.