Hey there, fellow keto enthusiasts! I’ve been getting tons of questions about whether you can enjoy those crispy, delicious fried shrimp while staying in ketosis. Let me break it down for you in this comprehensive guide that’ll help you make informed choices about fried shrimp on your keto journey.
Quick Answer
Traditional fried shrimp isn’t keto-friendly due to its high-carb breading. However, you can totally make keto-friendly fried shrimp by using low-carb alternatives for breading A typical serving of regular fried shrimp contains about 94g net carbs, which can eat up a big chunk of your daily carb allowance on keto.
Why Shrimp is Actually Amazing for Keto
Before we dive into the fried stuff, let’s talk about why shrimp itself is a keto superstar:
- Almost zero carbs (0.2g per 3oz serving)
- High in protein (20g per 3oz serving)
- Low in calories (85 calories per 3oz)
- Packed with nutrients like:
- Vitamin B12
- Selenium
- Iron
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Astaxanthin (a powerful antioxidant)
The Problem with Traditional Fried Shrimp
Here’s where things get tricky The usual suspects that make fried shrimp non-keto are
- All-purpose flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Cornmeal
- Cornstarch
These high-carb coatings can push the carb count to around 40g per serving!
Making Keto-Friendly Fried Shrimp
But don’t worry! We’ve got some awesome low-carb alternatives for breading:
Keto Breading Options:
| Ingredient | Net Carbs per 1/4 cup |
|---|---|
| Almond flour | 2g |
| Coconut flour | 6g |
| Pork rind crumbs | 0g |
| Protein powder | 0-1g |
| Flaxseed meal | 0g |
My Go-To Keto Fried Shrimp Recipe
Here’s a simple recipe that I swear by
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Coconut oil for frying
Instructions:
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
- Beat egg in a shallow bowl
- Mix almond flour and seasonings in another bowl
- Dip shrimp in egg, then coat with almond flour mixture
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
- Fry shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until golden
Pro Tips for Perfect Keto Fried Shrimp
After messing up countless batches (yeah, I’m keeping it real here), I’ve learned these tricks:
- Use ice-cold shrimp – makes ’em extra crispy!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Let the coating rest for 5-10 minutes before frying
- Keep oil temperature between 350-375°F
- Drain on paper towels
Keto-Friendly Dipping Sauces
What’s fried shrimp without some awesome sauce? Here are my faves:
- Garlic Aioli (homemade with mayo base)
- Sugar-free cocktail sauce
- Lemon-herb butter
- Spicy mayo (mix mayo with hot sauce)
Nutritional Info for Keto Fried Shrimp
When made with keto-friendly breading, here’s what you’re looking at per serving (3-5 pieces):
- Calories: 150-200
- Fat: 12-16g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Net Carbs: 2-5g
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’re meal prepping (like I often do), here’s how to handle leftovers:
- Cool completely
- Store in airtight container
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer or oven at 400°F for 3-4 minutes
Restaurant Tips
Eating out? Here’s what I do:
- Ask if they can make it without breading
- Request grilled shrimp instead
- Check if they have any low-carb options
- When in doubt, go for plain boiled shrimp
Final Thoughts
While traditional fried shrimp might not be keto-friendly, there’s no need to miss out! With these alternatives and tips, you can enjoy crispy, delicious shrimp while staying in ketosis. Trust me, once you try these keto versions, you might not even miss the regular stuff!
Would you like me to break down any part of this guide in more detail? Drop a comment below – I’m always happy to help fellow keto warriors!
Remember, staying keto doesn’t mean giving up your fave foods – it just means getting creative with how we make them! ✨
Is shrimp good to eat on keto?
Absolutely! There are nearly no carbs in shrimp making it a great option for anyone doing the keto diet.
Keto Fried Shrimp Recipe Instructions:
Find the full instructions below in the printable recipe card for Keto Friend Shrimp recipe.
Here are a few photos we took while making this keto fried shrimp recipe:
Be sure to pin this for later!
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get when using baking powder as a coating on our keto fried foods:
Low Carb COCONUT SHRIMP KETO SHRIMP – Fried vs. Baked vs. Air Fryer!
FAQ
Can you eat fried shrimp on a keto diet?
Not surprisingly, fried shrimp aren’t keto-friendly, clocking in at almost 40 grams of carbs per serving.
How many carbs are in fried shrimp?
Is deep fried food ok for keto?
… support your health on the keto diet, choose fats from nutrient-dense, whole foods and avoid those that come from ultra-processed oils, meats, and fried foodsMar 31, 2023
Will shrimp break ketosis?
Seafood is High in Healthy Fats
This makes seafood an excellent choice for keto diets. Across the board, it contains extremely low (or zero) carbs, making it naturally keto-friendly. Some types of seafood, like shrimp and crab, are nearly fat-free.
Is shrimp a suitable option for a keto diet?
Shrimp is an amazing source of protein that is suitable for a keto diet. This little meal prep recipe contains cherry tomatoes, which are also keto-friendly vegetables. Asparagus, another vegetable in the recipe, is also high in protein and fiber.
How do you cook shrimp on a keto diet?
Be sure to try our Keto Chili! Heat the oil of choice in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Optionally, you can use an air fryer; preheat now if using. Clean and wash shrimp, leaving the tails intact. In a bowl, mix together the almond flour, egg, almond milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until combined.
Is crab meat keto friendly?
Crab is another great option for a healthy keto meal. Crab is very versatile and there are countless creative crab recipes. However, keep in mind that while real crab meat is keto-friendly, imitation crab meat is loaded with carbs and should definitely be avoided while following the keto diet.
How do you cook fried shrimp?
Once the oil is hot, hold the shrimp by the tail and dip into the batter and get a thick coating. Carefully place the shrimp into the oil, only cooking a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown on the outsides and opaque in the center. Repeat dipping and frying for all of the remaining shrimp.
Is salmon a keto meal?
Numerous delicious seafood options are perfect for keto dieters. Based on data released by Self Nutrition Data, salmon is a great keto option. Like shrimp, salmon is rich in B vitamins and selenium, it’s also rich in potassium and practically free of carbohydrates. [ 2 ] Crab is another great option for a healthy keto meal.
Does pork Panko make shrimp crispy?
The pork panko gave the shrimp a perfectly crispy crust without being too crunchy or flaking off during the assembly and cooking process. If I hadn’t told you it wasn’t actually bread crumbs you would have never known!