Hey there! I’ve been getting this question a lot lately from my health-conscious readers, so let me break down everything you need to know about shrimp and carbs. The short answer? Shrimp is practically carb-free! But there’s way more to the story that you’ll definitely want to know.
The Quick Carb Facts
Let me hit you with the basics first
- Raw shrimp (3 oz): Only 0.77g carbs
- Steamed/boiled shrimp (3 oz): About 1g carbs
- Baked/broiled shrimp (3 oz): 0.98g carbs
Pretty impressive, right? We’re talking basically zero carbs here! But wait till you see what happens when we start cooking them different ways…
What Happens When We Cook Shrimp Different Ways?
Here’s where things get interesting! The carb content can change depending on how you prepare them:
Low-Carb Cooking Methods:
- Steaming
- Boiling
- Grilling
- Baking (without breading)
Higher-Carb Cooking Methods:
- Battered and fried: 9.89g carbs per 3 oz
- Shrimp teriyaki: 13.37g carbs per cup
- Shrimp cocktail: 16.68g carbs per cup
- Shrimp chow mein: 23.63g carbs per cup
The Real Deal About Shrimp Nutrition
But y’all, there’s so much more to shrimp than just their (lack of) carbs! Let me break down what you’re actually getting in a 3-oz serving
- Calories: 84 (super low!)
- Protein: 20.4g (now we’re talking!)
- Fat: 0.2g (practically none)
- Vitamins and minerals galore:
- Vitamin B12: 1.4mcg
- Phosphorus: 201mg
- Selenium: 31.8mcg
- Choline: 86.8mg
Why I Love Adding Shrimp to My Diet (And Why You Might Too!)
-
Perfect for Low-Carb Diets
- Keto-friendly
- Great for diabetics
- Ideal for weight management
-
Health Benefits
- Supports heart health
- Helps maintain weight loss
- Great for brain function
- Strengthens bones
- High in protein without the fat
Tips for Keeping Your Shrimp Healthy
Look, I’ve made all the mistakes so you don’t have to! Here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Best Cooking Methods:
- Grilling- Steaming- Boiling- Light stir-frying -
What to Avoid:
- Heavy breading- Sugary sauces- Deep frying- Pre-seasoned packages (often loaded with sodium)
My Favorite Low-Carb Shrimp Recipe
Here’s a super simple recipe I love:
Garlic Lemon Shrimp
- 1 lb raw shrimp
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley
Just sauté everything together for about 5 minutes. Boom! Dinner’s ready with barely any carbs.
Common Questions I Get About Shrimp
Q: Will shrimp kick me out of ketosis?
A: Nope! Plain shrimp is perfectly keto-friendly.
Q: Is shrimp good for weight loss?
A: Absolutely! High protein, low calories, and minimal carbs make it perfect for weight loss.
Q: How often can I eat shrimp?
A: 2-3 servings per week is great for most people.
The Bottom Line
So, does shrimp have carbohydrates? Barely any! Unless you’re breading or adding sugary sauces, shrimp is one of the most carb-friendly proteins you can eat. It’s basically nature’s perfect low-carb food!
Remember tho, the key is in how you prepare it. Stick to simple cooking methods, and you’ll keep those carbs super low while getting all the amazing nutritional benefits shrimp has to offer.
Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article further?
Shrimp Carb Count & Nutrition Facts
So, is shrimp low-carb? Definitely.
Shrimp has just 0.2 grams of carbs in a 3-ounce serving; although shrimp come in different sizes, this is roughly 3-5 shrimp. Shrimp has less than a gram of fat per serving that comes from omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats that are beneficial to your body. Additionally, a 3-ounce serving has 85 calories and 20 grams of lean protein, making shrimp an ideal choice for low-carb meal plans. Shrimp is packed with nutrients, including:
- Iron, needed to produce hemoglobin
- Potassium, for healthy nerve function, heartbeat, and blood pressure
- Zinc, for cell growth and immune support
- Magnesium, for regulating blood sugar levels
- Iodine for thyroid function
- Vitamin B12 for energy, brain function, and blood cell production
- Folate, which helps RNA and DNA form, also needed for pregnancy
- Calcium, for healthy bones
- Selenium, an antioxidant that helps fight cell damage
Carbs in Shrimp Tempura
Tempura shrimp, a Japanese version of battered, deep-fried shrimp, has a light, puffy batter made from flour, egg, and ice water. This combination takes the carb count to 31 grams for four pieces of shrimp, so ordering this dish at your favorite Japanese steakhouse is probably the wrong choice for keto dieters.