How Many Calories in 4 oz of Shrimp? A Complete Nutritional Breakdown That’ll Surprise You!

Hey there, fellow seafood lovers! I’ve been getting numerous questions about shrimp nutrition lately, and since I absolutely love these little crustaceans, I thought I’d break down everything you need to know about the calories in 4 oz of shrimp. Let’s dive right in!

Quick Answer

4 oz of shrimp contains approximately 120 calories But wait – there’s so much more you should know about this lean protein powerhouse!

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown of 4 oz Shrimp

Here’s what you’ll get in a 4-ounce serving

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 23g
• Total Fat: 1.7g
• Cholesterol: 170mg
• Sodium: 590mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Why Shrimp Is Your Weight-Loss BFF

I gotta tell ya, shrimp is pretty much a dieter’s dream come true! Here’s why:

1. Super Low in Calories

   • A 4 oz serving has just 120 calories
   • You can eat quite a few shrimp without breaking your calorie bank

2. High Protein Content

   • 23g protein per 4 oz serving
   • Helps keep you feeling full longer
   • Great for muscle maintenance

3. Minimal Fat

   • Only 1.7g total fat
   • Most of it is heart-healthy fat

Smart Ways to Prepare Your 4 oz Shrimp

To keep those 120 calories from turning into 500+, try these cooking methods:

• Grilled with lemon
• Steamed with herbs
• Boiled with Old Bay seasoning
• Sautéed in a tiny bit of olive oil
• Air-fried with minimal oil

Common Serving Size Conversions

Sometimes it’s hard to visualize 4 oz, so here’s a handy guide:

Watch Out! Calorie Boosters

Ya know what can turn your healthy shrimp into a calorie bomb? These common additions:

• Butter sauce (+100 calories per tbsp)
• Creamy dips (+150-200 calories per serving)
• Deep frying (+200-300 calories)
• Coconut breading (+150 calories)

Pro Tips for Buying and Preparing Shrimp

1. Fresh vs. Frozen

   • Both are good options
   • Frozen often cheaper
   • Fresh needs to be used quickly

2. Size Matters

   • Larger shrimp easier to manage on grill
   • Smaller ones better for stir-fries
   • Medium work great in most dishes

3. Cleaning

   • Remove shell (unless grilling)
   • Devein if visible
   • Rinse under cold water

Health Benefits Beyond Just Low Calories

Shrimp’s not just about being low-cal! You’re also getting:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Selenium
• Vitamin B12
• Zinc
• Iodine

Who Shouldn’t Go Crazy with Shrimp?

While 4 oz of shrimp is generally healthy, some folks should watch their intake:

• People with high cholesterol (170mg per 4 oz)
• Those with shellfish allergies (obvious, but worth mentioning!)
• Individuals on low-sodium diets (590mg per serving)

My Favorite Quick 4 oz Shrimp Recipe

Here’s what I do when I’m in a hurry:

1. Heat pan with tiny bit olive oil
2. Add 4 oz cleaned shrimp
3. Sprinkle with:
   • Garlic powder
   • Paprika
   • Black pepper
   • Pinch of salt
4. Cook 2-3 minutes per side
5. Squeeze fresh lemon

Total time: 7 minutes! Total calories: About 150 including oil

Storage Tips

Keep your shrimp fresh and tasty:

• Fresh: 1-2 days in fridge
• Cooked: 3-4 days refrigerated
• Frozen: Up to 6 months
• Thawed: Use within 24 hours

Final Thoughts

At just 120 calories per 4 oz serving, shrimp is seriously one of the best protein sources out there. It’s versatile, quick-cooking, and pretty much impossible to mess up (trust me, I’ve tried!). Whether you’re counting calories or just looking for a healthy protein option, shrimp’s got your back!

Remember, the key to keeping it at 120 calories is all in how you prepare it. Stick to simple cooking methods, and you’ll have a delicious, protein-packed meal that won’t wreck your calorie goals.

Got any questions about shrimp nutrition? Drop ’em in the comments below! I’m always happy to help fellow shrimp enthusiasts figure out the best ways to enjoy this amazing seafood while keeping things healthy and delicious.

Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this article in more detail?

A 4-ounce serving of cooked shrimp contains approximately 135 calories, according to Nutritionix.

The number of shrimp in 4 ounces depends entirely on the size of the shrimp. A 4-ounce serving could range from a few large shrimp to a larger number of smaller shrimp.

Shrimp is primarily a protein. While it does contain some carbohydrates, the amount is very low, making it a good source of lean protein.