Low Calorie Shrimp Recipes
Lean, fast-cooking, and packed with protein - these low calorie shrimp recipes turn the leanest shellfish around into tacos, skewers, pastas, and bowls. Shrimp delivers about 20g of protein per 3 oz for under 100 calories, so you can eat generously and still hit your target. All 14 shrimp recipes are sorted by protein so the most satisfying options rise to the top.
Why Shrimp Fits a Low-Calorie Diet
Shrimp is one of the leanest proteins you can eat - roughly 20g of protein and fewer than 100 calories per 3 oz cooked, with almost no fat or carbs. That exceptional protein-to-calorie ratio makes it a favorite for cutting, because a generous portion keeps calories low while maximising satiety. Shrimp also cooks in just a few minutes, so it stays tender without added oil, and it pairs naturally with low-calorie flavor builders like garlic, lemon, chili, herbs, and lime. Skip the breading and butter and shrimp easily anchors meals that stay well under 500 calories per serving.
Top Shrimp Recipes by Protein
Ranked by total protein - the highest-protein low-calorie shrimp dishes first.
Shrimp and Grits
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Spicy Shrimp Stir-Fry
Shrimp Pasta with Marinara
Paleo Shrimp Skewers
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
Shrimp and Vegetable Skewers
Air Fryer Shrimp
Singapore Noodles Lite
Thai Coconut Soup
Tom Yum Goong (Thai Shrimp Soup)
Vietnamese Summer Rolls with Shrimp
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shrimp good for a low-calorie diet?
Yes. Shrimp is one of the leanest proteins available - about 20g of protein and under 100 calories per 3 oz cooked, with virtually no fat or carbs. That makes it perfect for cutting, since you get a large, satisfying protein hit for very few calories.
How many calories are in shrimp?
Raw or plain cooked shrimp is about 85-100 calories per 3 oz, with 20g of protein and less than 1g of fat. Calories climb only when shrimp is breaded, fried, or drenched in butter or oil, so keep preparations simple when cutting.
What is the healthiest way to cook shrimp?
Grilling, boiling, steaming, and a quick saute or air fry with a light spray of oil all keep shrimp low in calories. The key is avoiding breading and heavy butter sauces - garlic, lemon, herbs, and chili add big flavor for almost no calories.
Can I eat shrimp every day while cutting?
Shrimp is high in dietary cholesterol but low in saturated fat, and current research shows saturated fat matters more for blood cholesterol than dietary cholesterol. For most people, shrimp is a healthy, low-calorie protein choice as part of a varied diet.
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