You may have heard about the keto diet and how it can benefit weight loss, but did you know that some people also say you can enjoy delicious seafood such as shrimp?
Yes, you can eat shrimp on a ketogenic diet. This type of seafood is shallow in carbs, making it a great choice to include in your meals.
Shrimp are also an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and minerals such as iron and zinc.
Opt for wild-caught shrimp instead of farm-raised to ensure higher nutritional value.
Additionally, always try to buy fresh or frozen shrimp (not pre-cooked) as they are usually lower in calories and sodium than their precooked counterparts.
High in protein and extremely low in carbs, shrimp is an ideal fit for the moderate-protein, high-fat intake required by this type of eating plan.
The Keto Diet – How Many Net Carbs Is Allowed?
The ketogenic diet has become increasingly popular for those looking to lose body fat rapidly.
However, success on this diet largely depends on understanding how many carbs you can consume.
Knowing your recommended daily carbohydrate amount is critical to achieving your desired results.
Note that the total carb count depends on three different sources – fiber, starch, and sugar.
Most keto diets allow for a maximum of 50 grams of carbohydrates a day. However, some stricter diets recommend 20 to 30 grams.
How many carbs you can eat without getting out of ketosis can vary depending on the individual and what you’re trying to achieve with the diet.
If you choose to follow a keto lifestyle, tracking calories and carbs in each meal is essential to keep your diet within the recommended guidelines.
Why Is Shrimp Keto Friendly?
Adding shrimp is an excellent way to introduce more protein into your meals without excessive amounts of unhealthy fats.
A single serving of shrimp only adds about 0.2 to 0.5 grams of fat, which is WAY below the recommended maximum of 20 to 50 grams.
In addition, the main goal for the keto diet is for health and wellness in addition to weight management, and shrimp is a nutrient-dense, excellent source of mostly protein and healthy fats that do wonders for your heart health and brain health!
Health Benefits Of Shrimp
Eating shrimp on a low-carb diet is an excellent way to incorporate lean protein with few calories into your meals.
Shrimp is one of the healthiest foods, packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Let’s look at some of the top health benefits of this delicious crustacean.
- Packed With Protein
Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, containing around 24 grams per 3-ounce serving. Protein helps build muscle mass and keeps us feeling full for extended periods. It also allows our bodies to absorb essential nutrients and aids in recovery from injury or exercise.
- Loaded With Minerals & Vitamins
Shrimp contains high levels of essential vitamins like vitamin D and B12 and minerals such as selenium and phosphorus.
Vitamin D helps promote calcium absorption in bones, which makes it beneficial for bone health; meanwhile, B12 maintains healthy nerve cells and produces DNA.
Selenium boosts your immune system by defending against free radicals that cause disease; phosphorus plays an essential role in energy production within the body.
2. Full Of Heart Healthy Fats
Shrimp has plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for heart health – they reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels in the body, helping to keep your heart strong and healthy.
Omega-3s have also been linked to improved eye health, better brain function, and reduced risk of depression.
3. High In Antioxidants
Shrimp contains astaxanthin, the main antioxidant that gives shrimp its pink color.
This potent compound has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the risk of disease caused by oxidative stress on the body caused by free radicals.
Astaxanthin has also been linked to improved cardiovascular health, brain function, skin protection from UV rays, and more.
Keto Shrimp Recipes
Moreover, shrimp is relatively easy to prepare using minimal ingredients, and its mild taste makes it suitable for loads of quick yet tasty meals. Here are some of our favorite low-carb shrimp recipes!
- Shrimp Scampi
Making keto shrimp scampi is a delicious and satisfying dinner for any occasion. You’ll need raw or frozen shrimp, olive oil, garlic cloves, butter, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese to make it.
Making Shrimp Scampi
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the raw shrimp and cook until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter and add garlic cloves before sautéing them until they become fragrant.
Then add the cooked shrimp to the skillet, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning before stirring everything together.
Lastly, stir in some grated Parmesan cheese before taking it off the heat. Add red pepper flakes if you want some extra zing. Your keto shrimp scampi is now ready to serve!
2. Coconut Shrimp
There are many ways to make coconut shrimp, but simpler is always better. All you need is essential pantry items and about 30 minutes to make this delicious, low-carb dinner.
Making Coconut Shrimp
Season the raw shrimp with salt and pepper, then dip them into a beaten egg before rolling in unsweetened coconut flakes.
Next, prepare a skillet with finely chopped red onions and garlic over medium heat. Add the raw shrimp to the pan and cook each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve with your favorite low-carb dip or condiment, and enjoy!
3. Popcorn Keto Shrimp
This low-carb dish is easy to make with simple ingredients that are budget friendly – and the result is so tasty that you’ll be making it all the time!
Making Popcorn Shrimp
Start by whisking flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and xanthan gum in a medium bowl. Then add in your raw shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
Heat a shallow layer of oil over medium-high heat, and cook for about 4 minutes or until the shrimp turn golden brown.
Serve with a side of your favorite healthy dipping sauce for an appetizer to please everyone.
You can pair it with a healthy side dish like mashed cauliflower or roasted garlic and vegetables for added nutrients!
Final Thoughts
High in protein and healthy fats with almost negligible carbohydrates, shrimp is the ultimate go-to, low-carb keto food.
Just be sure not to use high-carb seasons and side dishes such as rice, excessive sugar, heavy cream, or too much butter.
With these easy keto recipes, you can incorporate delicious low-carb shrimp dishes on your keto journey!
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.