Hey there, seafood lovers! Today I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about carbs in popcorn shrimp. As someone who’s totally obsessed with these crispy little bites, I wanna make sure you got all the facts to make informed choices about your fave seafood snack.
Quick Answer
For those in a hurry: A standard 113g serving of popcorn shrimp contains 39 grams of carbohydrates.
What’s Inside Your Popcorn Shrimp?
Before we dive deeper here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per 113g serving
- Calories: 231
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 4.5g
Why Are There So Many Carbs in Popcorn Shrimp?
The high carb content might surprise ya! Here’s why popcorn shrimp packs so many carbs:
- Breading – The crispy coating is made from:
- Flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Sometimes cornmeal
- Batter – Often contains:
- Additional flour
- Cornstarch
- Seasonings
Comparing Carbs in Different Portions
To help you plan your meals better, here’s how carbs stack up in different serving sizes:
| Portion Size | Approximate Carbs |
|---|---|
| 1 piece (15g) | 5.2g |
| 1/2 cup (57g) | 19.5g |
| 1 cup (113g) | 39g |
| Large portion (170g) | 58.5g |
Tips for Reducing Carbs While Enjoying Popcorn Shrimp
If ur watching your carb intake but can’t resist these crunchy bites try these tips
- Choose grilled or naked shrimp instead
- Make your own using low-carb breading alternatives
- Share a portion with friends
- Pair with low-carb sides like:
- Steamed veggies
- Side salad
- Coleslaw (no sugar added)
When to Watch Those Carbs
You might wanna be extra careful with popcorn shrimp if:
- Your following a keto diet
- Your managing diabetes
- Your counting macros
- Your trying to lose weight
Healthier Alternatives
If 39g of carbs seems like too much here’s some alternatives you could try
- Grilled shrimp (0-1g carbs)
- Steamed shrimp (0-1g carbs)
- Pan-seared shrimp (0-1g carbs)
- Light-breaded shrimp (roughly half the carbs)
Making Better Choices at Restaurants
When ordering out, here’s some pro tips:
- Ask about portion sizes
- Request nutrition info
- Consider splitting an order
- Look for grilled options
- Ask for breading on the side
FAQs About Popcorn Shrimp Carbs
Q: Is popcorn shrimp keto-friendly?
A: Nope! With 39g carbs per serving, it’s definitely not keto-friendly.
Q: Can I eat popcorn shrimp on a low-carb diet?
A: It’s pretty challenging to fit into a low-carb diet due to the high carb content.
Q: How many pieces are in a 113g serving?
A: Usually about 8-10 pieces, depending on size.
The Bottom Line
Look, I ain’t gonna lie – popcorn shrimp is delicious but pretty carb-heavy! With 39g of carbs per serving, it’s definitely something to be mindful of if your watching your carb intake. But hey, that doesn’t mean you gotta give it up completely! Just be smart about portions and maybe save it for special occasions.
Remember, moderation is key! Whether your going all in or looking for alternatives, now ya know exactly what your getting into when those crispy little guys show up on your plate.
Would you like me to explain anything else about popcorn shrimp and its carb content? Drop me a comment below – I’d love to help ya out!
Popcorn Shrimp Serving Size 3oz (85g/about 1 cup) Servings Per Container 8 Amount Per Serving
INGREDIENTS: SHRIMP, BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR, SOYBEAN OIL, ENRICHED BLEACHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, IRON AS FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), WATER, YELLOW CORN FLOUR, MODIFIED CORNSTARCH, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF THE FOLLOWING: SALT, SUGAR, ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, NIACIN, REDUCED IRON, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID), DEXTROSE, SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE (TO RETAIN MOISTURE), WHEY POWDER (A MILK DERIVATIVE), METHYLCELLULOSE, GARLIC POWDER, YEAST, DISODIUM INOSINATE AND DISODIUM GUANYLATE, LEAVENING (SODIUM ACID PYROPHOSPHATE, BAKING SODA), SODIUM ALGINATE, CITRIC ACID, PAPRIKA OLEORESIN, SODIUM BISULFITE (AS A PRESERVATIVE).
CONTAINS: SHRIMP, MILK, WHEAT. *Please refer to the label on your SeaPak package for the most current nutrition, ingredient and allergen information.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
For food safety, quality, and thorough cooking, please follow the instructions below. Keep frozen until ready to prepare. Product is not ready to eat until fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
CONVENTIONAL OVEN: Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange product in a single layer on baking sheet and place on middle rack of oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes (for 25oz box, this will be for half the box; for 16oz box, this will be for the full box). For best results, turn product halfway through cooking.
HOME FRYER: Preheat fryer oil to 350°F. Arrange product in a single layer in basket. Fry 30 pieces for 2 minutes 30 seconds to 2 minutes 45 seconds.
COMMERCIAL FRYER: Preheat fryer oil to 350°F. Fry for 2 minutes 30 seconds to 2 minutes 45 seconds (full box of 25oz box).
AIR FRYER: Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Arrange product in a single layer in basket. Air fry 15 pieces for 7-8 minutes. For best results, turn product halfway through cooking.
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Due to differences in appliances, cooking times may vary and require adjustment.
Caution: Product will be hot! *Please refer to the label on your SeaPak package for the most current nutrition, ingredient and allergen information.