Hey there, keto fam! I’ve got amazing news for all you seafood lovers out there – shrimp is totally keto-friendly! As someone who’s been on the keto journey for years, I’m super excited to share everything I know about incorporating this delicious crustacean into your low-carb lifestyle.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely eat shrimp on keto! With just 0.2 grams of carbs per 3-ounce serving, shrimp is perfect for keeping those carbs low while getting plenty of protein and nutrients.
Shrimp Nutrition Facts: Why It’s Perfect for Keto
Here’s what you’ll get in a 3-ounce serving of shrimp:
- Calories: 84
- Protein: 18-20g
- Carbs: 0.2g
- Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 211mg
- Sodium: 94mg
Key Nutrients:
- Selenium: 78% RDI
- Vitamin B12: 78% RDI
- Phosphorus: 36% RDI
- Zinc: 23% RDI
- Copper: 21% RDI
Benefits of Eating Shrimp on Keto
- Weight Loss Support
- Super low in calories
- High protein keeps you feeling full
- Nearly zero carbs means no insulin spikes
- Muscle Building
- 18-20g protein per serving
- Complete protein with all essential amino acids
- Easy to digest
- Heart Health
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Contains potassium and iron
- Helps reduce blood pressure
- Packed with Antioxidants
- Contains astaxanthin (that’s what makes them pink!)
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Supports brain health
Best Ways to Cook Keto-Friendly Shrimp
1. Grilled Shrimp
My go-to summer recipe:
- Toss shrimp in olive oil
- Add garlic and lemon juice
- Grill until pink
- Serve over keto-friendly salad
2. Shrimp Scampi
Quick 15-minute recipe
- Butter
- Minced garlic
- White wine or chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Serve over zucchini noodles
3. Coconut Shrimp (Keto Version)
- Use unsweetened coconut
- Skip the breadcrumbs
- Air fry or bake
- Serve with sugar-free dipping sauce
Watch Out For These Non-Keto Shrimp Dishes
Some shrimp dishes can kick you out of ketosis
- Fried shrimp (40g carbs per serving)
- Traditional coconut shrimp (31g carbs)
- Shrimp tempura (31g carbs)
- Regular shrimp cocktail sauce (19g carbs per 1/4 cup)
Tips for Buying and Preparing Shrimp
- Choosing Quality Shrimp
- Look for transparent farming practices
- Buy peeled and deveined for convenience
- Fresh or frozen both work great
- Storage
- Keep frozen until ready to use
- Thaw in fridge overnight
- Use within 2 days if fresh
- Preparation Methods
- Boiling
- Grilling
- Sautéing
- Air frying
- Baking
Easy Keto Shrimp Recipes
Creamy Keto Shrimp Curry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp
- 1 can coconut milk
- Curry powder
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Onion
- Butter
- Cilantro
Low-Carb Shrimp and Grits
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Cauliflower “grits”
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Cheese
- Garlic
- Seasonings
Potential Concerns
While shrimp is great for keto, keep these in mind:
- Allergies – Shellfish allergies are common
- Cholesterol – 171mg per serving (if you’re watching cholesterol)
- Mercury – Choose sustainable sources
- Quality – Opt for wild-caught when possible
Bottom Line
Shrimp is a keto dieter’s dream! With practically zero carbs and loads of protein, it’s perfect for maintaining ketosis while enjoying delicious meals. Just watch out for breaded or sugary preparations, and you’re good to go!
Remember, the key to success on keto is variety – so don’t be afraid to experiment with different shrimp recipes to keep your meals interesting and delicious.
Want more keto-friendly seafood tips? Drop a comment below! I’d love to hear your favorite ways to prepare shrimp on keto!
Disclaimer: While I aim to provide accurate information, always consult your healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs.
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy veggies are low in carbs and rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In particular, dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with vitamin K and iron.
Greens add bulk to your meals without drastically increasing the carb count. Additionally, herbs like oregano and rosemary add ample flavor with almost no carbs.
Here are some keto-friendly leafy greens:
- Salad greens: lettuce, baby spinach, arugula, escarole, and frisee
- Cooking greens: bok choy, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and cabbage
- Herbs: thyme, sage, mint, oregano, dill, parsley, cilantro, basil, rosemary, and lemongrass
Several varieties of peppers exist, all of which are appropriate for the keto diet. While they’re technically fruits, they’re treated like vegetables in cooking.
Small hot peppers add spice to recipes, and jalapeños are ideal for making keto-friendly appetizers. You can use larger, mild peppers such as bell peppers and poblanos in numerous dishes, or stuff them to make flavorful low carb main dishes.
Summer squashes, such as yellow squash and zucchini, are versatile and low in carbs.
In fact, zucchini is extremely popular on keto. Using a spiralizer, you can make zucchini noodles, which are an excellent substitute for pasta or noodles.
You can grate zucchini to make a rice alternative or add it to baked goods without affecting the flavor. You can also slice it thinly using a mandoline, then toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enjoy it as a cold salad.
1 Unsweetened coffee and tea
Coffee and tea are healthy, carb-free drinks.
They contain caffeine, which increases your metabolism and may help improve your physical performance, alertness, and mood.
Coffee may also reduce the risk of diabetes, though more research is needed to understand this link.
Adding cream or half-and-half to coffee or tea is fine, but limit “light” versions because they’re typically made with nonfat milk and high carb flavorings.
Eat More Shellfish On Keto (Ketogenic Diet) – Dr.Berg
FAQ
Can you eat shrimp on a keto diet?
Shrimp also provides a high amount of protein and healthy fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals. However, the keto rule of thumb for seafood and, more specifically, shellfish isn’t as steadfast as one may think. While shrimp and many crab species contain 0 carbohydrates, this is not true for all shellfish.
Can you smoke shrimp if you’re on a keto diet?
Go with this easy shrimp recipe. You’ll slather shrimp in olive oil and garlic, then serve them with rich herby garlic butter. You can smoke the shrimp on the grill or in the smoker, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t have the latter. 4. Keto Bang Bang Shrimp One bite of this bang bang shrimp, and you’ll be happy you’ve gone keto.
Can you eat shrimp scampi on a keto diet?
Keto Shrimp Scampi Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that is typically served over pasta. However, these shrimp are so flavorful, you won’t even miss the carbs. Between the pop of parsley and fresh lemon, shrimp scampi is brimming with flavor. 8. Chimichurri Grilled Shrimp
Is lemon garlic shrimp a keto dish?
Lemon Garlic Shrimp is an easy keto shrimp recipe. It goes with any side of your choosing, even if you don’t follow the keto diet. The classic flavors of this dish are loved by many. Best of all, you can get it on the table in less than 15 minutes.
Are shrimp keto-friendly?
Yes, 100%, shrimp are keto-friendly. Not only are they keto-friendly, but the health benefits are also truly remarkable. Shrimp are extremely nutritious, and they are fairly low in calories. Shrimp also provides a high amount of protein and healthy fats, along with a variety of vitamins and minerals.
What to eat on a keto diet?
When you’re tired of gorging on keto sandwiches, mix up your lunch rendition with this dish. This salad keeps things fresh and light with a simple bed of arugula and a twist of lemon for the dressing. There’s also avocado tossed in which is perfect with the shrimp. Use already cooked shrimp, and you can pull this together in a snap. 7.