Is shrimp keto friendly? – Calories, Nutrition and Keto Recipes
Is shrimp Keto-Friendly?
Shrimp is indeed friendly to a ketogenic diet. One reason for this is the low carbohydrate content of shrimp. Most ketogenic diets recommend keeping your total carbohydrate intake to 20-50 grams per day, and shrimp can easily fit within this limit. A 100 grams serving of shrimp has only about 0.9 grams of carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic diet. Further, shrimp is a good source of protein, which is also an important part of the keto diet.
Nutritional Facts About shrimp
Shrimp is not only keto friendly, but it is also rich in other essential nutrients. For instance, it is a good source of selenium, Vitamin B12, and phosphorus. Furthermore, shrimp is considered a lean protein source, meaning it has a high protein to low fat and carb ratio.
Calories, Carbs, Proteins and Fats
| Nutrition | Per 100 Grams | Per 1 Oz |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 99 Kcal | 30 Kcal |
| Carbs | 0.9 g | 0.25 g |
| Sugar | 0 g | 0 g |
| Protein | 24 g | 7 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g | 0.1 g |
| Impact on Ketosis | Low | Low |
What is the Average Weight?
The average weight of a medium-sized shrimp is about 5 grams. However, keep in mind that shrimp are often sold by their count per pound. For instance, if a package of shrimp says 16/20, that means there are 16-20 shrimp per pound.
Additional Information About shrimp
In addition to the aforementioned nutrients, shrimp also provides a variety of other vitamins and minerals. It is an excellent source of iodine, an important nutrient that many people don’t get enough of, and it also contains high levels of certain types of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Other Foods To Match With
Shrimp pairs well with a variety of foods, making it a versatile addition to your keto meal plan. Its sweetness complements the rich flavors of foods like avocado and coconut cream, while its mild flavor can be spiced up with chili, garlic, or herbs. For a keto-friendly meal, consider pairing shrimp with low-carb veggies like zucchini, spaghetti squash or bell peppers. For a rich, satisfying meal, try a shrimp alfredo with a sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese served over zucchini noodles.
8 Famous Keto-Friendly Dishes To Try
1. Keto Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi is a surprisingly keto-friendly dish that includes shrimp, combined with garlic, butter, and lemon juice. The creaminess of the butter and the acid from the lemon combine to create a delicious sauce that beautifully complements the shrimp. The garlic adds a lovely pungent twist. This dish is high in protein and low in carbs.
2. Keto Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
This keto-friendly dish combines shrimp with an array of colorful, healthy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini. The stir fry is seasoned with garlic and soy sauce, providing a savory and flavorful meal without breaking your keto diet. This recipe packs in lots of nutrients and fiber, essential for a balanced keto diet.
3. Keto Shrimp Alfredo
Keto shrimp Alfredo consists of shrimp stir-fried in a rich Alfredo sauce made using cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is heavy on fats and proteins, just perfect for a keto diet, while also being incredibly delicious. This classic Italian dish can be served with zoodles (zucchini noodles) to keep it low carb.
4. Keto Shrimp and Grits
This southern comfort food can be made keto-friendly by using cauliflower instead of corn for the grits. The dish incorporates shrimp, cheese, butter, and cauliflower to create a delicious, rich, and hearty meal that also aligns with your keto goals. Each serving is high in flavor, proteins, and beneficial fats.
5. Keto Shrimp Avocado Salad
This dish is a delightful mix of shrimp, avocado, cucumber, and a tangy lime dressing. The high healthy fat content from the avocado, and the significant protein from the shrimp, makes it an excellent choice for a light and refreshing but filling keto meal.
6. Keto Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche is a keto-friendly South American dish consisting of raw shrimp marinated in lime or lemon juice, mixed with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. The citric acid actually “cooks” the shrimp. It’s a deliciously refreshing and light meal, ideal for those on a keto diet due to its low carb and high protein contents.
7. Keto Shrimp and Bacon Skillet
This delightful dish involves shrimp and bacon cooked together in a creamy garlic sauce. With high-fat contents from the bacon and substantial proteins from the shrimp, it’s ideally suited for a keto diet. It’s a quick, easy-to-make dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutritional value.
8. Keto Coconut Shrimp
Coconut shrimp is traditionally a high-carb dish, but a few adjustments can make it keto-friendly. This recipe uses unsweetened shredded coconut and almond flour for the coating. The dish serves as an excellent appetizer or main dish offering a sweet, tropical flavor, while remaining low in carbs and high in fats and proteins, conforming perfectly with a keto diet.
Is shrimp considered a good protein source for a keto diet?
Yes, shrimp is a great source of protein which is an essential component of a balanced keto diet. Protein plays a major role in the ketogenic diet as it helps to preserve muscle mass during fat loss and aids in the feeling of fullness. A hundred grams of cooked shrimp can offer as much as 24 grams of protein. Considering that it contains virtually no carbs, shrimp is an excellent choice for those on a keto diet.
Does shrimp have any carbohydrates?
Shrimp is an incredibly low-carbohydrate source of protein. A hundred grams of cooked shrimp contains approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates. This makes it a great option for individuals on the keto diet, as it helps them keep their net carb intake low.
What is the calorie content of shrimp and is it suitable for keto?
Despite being high in protein, shrimp is relatively low in calories. A hundred grams of cooked shrimp contains around 99 calories. This property makes it an excellent choice for those following a keto diet and looking to maintain a calorie deficit for weight loss. The fact that shrimp is both low-cal and high in protein can help keep you satiated and prevent overeating.
Does shrimp have any fats?
While shrimp does contain some fat, the amount is quite small in comparison to other keto-friendly sources of protein. A hundred grams of cooked shrimp has around 0.3 grams of fat. Though the keto diet emphasizes high-fat intake, you can pair shrimp with high-fat foods like avocados or cook them in healthy oils to meet your fat macro target on keto.
Can I include shrimp in my keto meal plan?
Absolutely, shrimp is definitely a keto-friendly food. It’s low in carbs and calories while being packed with protein. Shrimps can be cooked in various ways and incorporated into a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your keto meal plan. As mentioned earlier, you may need to add healthy fats to your shrimp dishes to align with a typical macronutrient ratio on keto. Nonetheless, shrimp is an excellent addition to a balanced ketogenic diet.
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