Looking for a guilt-free Chinese takeout alternative? I’ve got great news – Kung Pao shrimp can actually be a healthy choice when prepared properly! As a food blogger who’s obsessed with making takeout favorites healthier, I’m excited to break down everything you need to know about this popular dish.
The Quick Answer
Yes Kung Pao shrimp can be healthy! A typical homemade serving contains
- 300-500 calories
- 24-29g protein
- 21-32g fat
- 12-29g carbs
- 490-560mg sodium
What Makes Kung Pao Shrimp Healthy?
The Good Stuff
Let’s look at the nutritious ingredients that make this dish a winner:
Shrimp:
- High-quality lean protein
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Good source of selenium and vitamin B12
- Low in calories
Bell Peppers:
- Loaded with vitamins A, B6, C, and K
- High in potassium
- Contains antioxidants like quercetin
- Adds fiber and crunch
Peanuts:
- Heart-healthy fats
- Plant-based protein
- Good source of fiber
- Rich in magnesium and vitamin E
The Not-So-Great Stuff
Here’s what we gotta watch out for:
- Restaurant Versions Can Be Unhealthy:
- Sky-high sodium (often over 2000mg!)
- Loads of added sugar
- Excessive oil
- MSG in some cases
- Limited veggies
- Common Pitfalls:
- Heavy sauces
- Too much oil in stir-frying
- Oversized portions
- White rice instead of brown rice
How to Make Healthy Kung Pao Shrimp at Home
Y’all I’ve got some amazing tips to make this dish even healthier without sacrificing flavor!
My Favorite Healthy Swaps
- For the Sauce:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Switch to natural sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia
- Add extra vinegar and ginger for flavor
- Skip the MSG
- For the Cooking Method:
- Use just 1-2 tbsp of healthy oils (avocado or olive oil)
- Load up on colorful veggies
- Choose brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Control portion sizes
Super Simple Healthy Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- Green onions for garnish
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Sriracha
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
Tips for Ordering Healthy Kung Pao Shrimp at Restaurants
When eating out, try these tricks:
- Ask for:
- Extra veggies
- Sauce on the side
- Brown rice instead of white
- Less oil
- Watch portions:
- Share with a friend
- Take half home
- Skip the rice if watching carbs
The Bottom Line
Kung Pao shrimp can totally be part of a healthy diet! The key is preparation method and portion control. When made at home with mindful ingredients, it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
We’ve found that homemade versions typically have half the calories and sodium of restaurant versions. Plus, you can control exactly what goes in your dish!
Quick Tips for Healthier Kung Pao:
- Choose wild-caught shrimp when possible
- Go easy on the peanuts (about 1/4 cup per serving)
- Adjust spice to your preference
- Double up on veggies
- Choose whole grains
Remember, it’s all about balance! Even restaurant versions can fit into a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Just keep an eye on portions and try making it at home when you can.
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.
Log this food in SnapCalorie
Quantity: 285.1 calories 23.3 protein 8.9 carbohydrates 17.7 fat
| Calories | 285.1 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| % Daily Value* | |||
| Total Fat | 17.7 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 173.3 mg | 57% | |
| Sodium | 349.9 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8.9 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g | 6% | |
| Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| protein | 23.3 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.5 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 95.6 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 325.6 mg | 6% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Home Chef Review: Kung Pao Shrimp with Weight Watchers Smart Points
FAQ
Is kung pao good for you?
Best: Kung Pao Chicken
This entree mixes chili peppers with diced chicken and veggies. Have half an order with a cup of brown rice (about the size of your fist), and you’ll keep your meal under 600 calories. Peanuts also give the dish a nutrient boost. They have heart-healthy fiber, unsaturated fat, and antioxidants.
How many calories are in kung pao shrimp?
How healthy are kung pao shrimp?
Is Kung Pao shrimp healthy? Yes! Made with whole ingredients only and refined sugar-free, this recipe is low carb and made with real ingredients only. Non breaded shrimp stir-fried with veggies with very little oil used.
Is kung pao high in sugar?
Kung pao chicken contains 209 calories per 162 g serving. This serving contains 11 g of fat, 16 g of protein and 11 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 4.9 g sugar and 2.4 g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate.
What is Kung Pao shrimp?
Kung Pao Shrimp is a traditional Chinese Cuisine that’s commonly served in restaurants and is a popular takeout dish. Stir-fried Shrimp with veggies like bell peppers and green onions that are cooked in a yummy sweet, savory, and spicy sauce! Is Kung Pao shrimp healthy? Yes!
Is shrimp kung pao keto?
This shrimp kung pao recipe on I Heart Umami® is seriously addictive. With the tingling heat from the Sichuan peppers and toasted nuts, it’s a dish that packs BIG flavors yet is really quick and simple to make. Love more homemade healthy takeout? Then you’ll also love my Paleo Kung pao chicken and General tso shrimp!
Is Kung Pao shrimp healthier than chicken?
Yes! Compared to Kung Pao Chicken, Kung Pao Shrimp would be a healthier option as shrimp has low calories. To make Kung Pao Shrimp, cut the defrosted shrimp lengthwise on the thickest part of the shrimp. This step helps the marinate coat the shrimp better, resulting in a tender texture just like in the restaurant.
What to eat with Kung Pao shrimp?
Stir in shrimp and peanuts and toss to combine. Serve Kung Pao Shrimp immediately, with hot cooked rice, chow mein or low mein. Veggies: Add your favorite veggies like mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, snow peas and zucchini to this Kung Pao Shrimp recipe. Szechuan Peppers: Add some to cook with the sauce for an extra kick.
Does Kung Pao shrimp need to be marinated?
Similar to our Kung Pao Chicken recipe, Kung Pao Shrimp has all the amazing flavor and texture, but shrimp is quicker to prepare and does not require marinating because shrimp by itself is typically salty and pretty flavorful. So if you want a quick and delicious dish to scratch that Chinese takeout itch, this is perfect! What is Kung Pao Shrimp?
How long does Kung Pao shrimp take to make?
A zesty, flavorful crunchy Chinese shrimp (some would call it prawn) dish with a bit of heat that will blow your mind and make your tastebuds very happy! This Kung Pao Shrimp recipe takes 30 minutes to make and is so much healthier and tastier than Asian takeout versions! Want to save this recipe? Share your email & we’ll send it to your inbox!