Listen up, taco lovers! I’ve been getting tons of questions about whether shrimp tacos can actually be part of a healthy diet. The short answer? Heck yes! But there’s more to the story than just that. Let me break down everything you need to know about making these delicious tacos work for your health goals.
Why Shrimp Makes an Awesome Taco Protein
Here’s what makes shrimp such a nutritional superstar
- Super low in calories (just 102 calories per 3oz serving)
- Packed with protein (18g per serving)
- Only 1g of fat
- Rich in important nutrients like:
- Selenium
- Iodine
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
- Copper
Sure shrimp does have some cholesterol (about 107mg per serving), but don’t freak out! Research shows dietary cholesterol isn’t as big a deal as we used to think. Most people can totally enjoy shrimp as part of a healthy diet.
Making Your Tacos Actually Healthy
Look, we’ve all had those restaurant shrimp tacos drowning in creamy sauce and cheese. While tasty, they ain’t doing your health any favors. Here’s how to build a better taco:
The Shell Game
Your tortilla choice makes a huge difference
Corn Tortillas (Best Choice)
- Fewer calories and carbs
- More fiber
- Naturally gluten-free
- Lower glycemic index
Flour Tortillas (Use Sparingly)
- Higher in calories
- More carbs and sodium
- Choose whole wheat when possible
Pro tip: Stick to 6-inch tortillas to keep portions in check!
Top It Right
The magic is in the toppings! Here’s what I recommend:
- Cabbage slaw (red or green)
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Thin avocado slices
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Hot sauce
- Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream)
- Black or pinto beans
My Super Simple Healthy Shrimp Taco Recipe
Here’s how I make mine:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium taco seasoning
- Olive oil spray
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- 2 limes
For the Healthy Crema:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon adobo sauce
- Lime zest and juice
- 1/2 teaspoon each: cumin and chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
The whole thing comes in at around 179 calories per taco! Not too shabby, right?
Tips for Ordering Healthy Shrimp Tacos at Restaurants
We all eat out sometimes! Here’s how to keep it healthy:
- Always go for corn tortillas
- Ask for sauce on the side
- Load up on veggie toppings
- Choose black beans over rice
- Skip the chips (I know, it’s tough!)
- Add extra lime and hot sauce instead of creamy stuff
When to Maybe Skip the Shrimp Tacos
Look, I gotta keep it real with y’all. Shrimp tacos might not be for everyone:
- If you’ve got a shellfish allergy (obviously!)
- If you’re watching your cholesterol super closely
- When you’re at sketchy restaurants (food safety, folks!)
The Bottom Line
Here’s the deal – shrimp tacos can totally be healthy when you make ’em right! They’re quick to make (like 15-20 mins max), packed with protein, and way better for you than many other taco options out there.
Just remember:
- Choose corn tortillas
- Load up on veggies
- Go easy on the creamy stuff
- Keep portions reasonable
Now go forth and enjoy your tacos! And hey, if you’ve got any awesome healthy taco tips, drop ’em in the comments below. I’m always looking for new ideas to make my tacos even better!
Disclaimer: I’m just a taco enthusiast sharing what I’ve learned – always check with your doc if you’ve got specific dietary concerns!
Types of tacos and their nutritional role
Whether you like your tacos with a hard or soft shell, the choices of fillings are endless. For example, tacos can be filled with various kinds of meat such as pork, beef, chicken or fish. Meatless tacos and vegetables tacos have also become popular over the years. Eating tacos is an easy way to meet your nutritional goals because they are stuffed with vital macronutrients such as carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats which your body uses to repair cells and burn energy.
Related content: Discover the sweet health benefits of apples and an easy recipe
Benefits of making tacos at home
Preparing food at home defiantly has its perks. Home cooked meals are an easy way to control the ingredients that go in your food. Cooking at home often results in a much more nutritious meal than what you would receive at a restaurant and it’s also less expensive than dining out.
The ingredients used to make tacos are usually inexpensive. But are tacos a healthy food, too? When you think of traditional American-style tacos, you may think of a hard-shell corn tortilla filled with loads of saturated fat-containing ground beef, shredded cheese and a generous dollop of sour cream. While there is nothing wrong with these types of tacos if eaten in moderation, there is a way to make them healthier especially if you are trying to manage your weight but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Are Shrimp Tacos Healthy? – Magical Mexico Moments
FAQ
Why are shrimp tacos healthy?
Shrimp is a perfect protein if you are looking to cut calories and manage your weight because it is low in calories compared to other animal proteins such as beef and chicken.
How many calories are in shrimp tacos?
Are tacos healthy or unhealthy?
Tacos can be either healthy or unhealthy depending on the ingredients and preparation methods. They can be a good source of protein and fiber when made with lean meats, vegetables, and whole-grain tortillas.
Do shrimp tacos have a lot of protein?
High in Protein: This is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp provides around 20 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for those who follow a low-carb or high-protein diet.
Are shrimp tacos good?
There’s never a bad time to enjoy tacos, and these simple shrimp tacos are all kinds of delicious. Shrimp are pan-fried with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder, before being loaded into tacos with cabbage and avocado. To finish, I’ve made a quick sour cream sauce with lemon and cilantro for one fresh and tasty bite.
How many calories are in a shrimp taco?
Reheat – Defrost in the fridge if frozen. Microwave for 3 minutes, or add to a hot dry pan pan medium heat flipping to avoid burning. This healthy shrimp taco recipe is just 179 calories per taco! These simple shrimp tacos come with a low calorie shrimp taco sauce too! Enjoy low calorie shrimp tacos with healthy toppings, without hurting your diet!
How long does it take to make a low calorie shrimp taco?
This Low Calorie Shrimp Tacos Recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make (start to finish!) and is just 179 calories! I’ve included healthy shrimp tacos toppings to help you make the best healthy tacos you’ve ever had! Prep – Clean the shrimp and make the shrimp sauce. Cover – Place each in separate bags or containers until ready to use.
How long does it take to make shrimp tacos?
Healthy and easy Shrimp Tacos made with marinated, sautéed shrimp, a simple cabbage slaw, and topped with a delicious creamy cilantro shrimp taco sauce. Ready in 20 minutes! These tacos are just one more additional to my growing collection of killer-good Mexican recipes! Serve them with a side of refried beans and Mexican rice.
What’s in a shrimp taco?
Coated in a blend of almond and coconut flour, these fried shrimp come out extra crispy in contrast to the creamy black beans. Don’t forget a drizzle of the homemade spicy ranch sauce to seal the deal. If you have seven minutes to spare, you have yourself a delectable shrimp taco dinner.
Can you eat leftover shrimp tacos?
Shrimp tacos are best eaten fresh, but you can save the shrimp for leftovers too. Store the tortillas, shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately. The shrimp will keep in the fridge for up to three days and can be microwaved or eaten cold.