Is Shrimp Good For You? The quick answer is, yes! This high-protein crustacean has loads of healthy benefits. I’m sharing these below, plus 14 shrimp recipes that you can try tonight.
Is Shrimp Healthy For You?
The short answer: yes. Shrimp may be small, but they are mighty, packing lots of nutritional benefits. From protein to minerals to omega-3s, there are loads of nutrients in just one low-calorie serving. It’s one of the most popular kinds of seafood in the U.S. and for good reason!
If you love shrimp recipes as much as I do, there’s something very satisfying about knowing they’re good for you, too. We’re diving into all the healthy benefits of this mini seafood below. Plus, I’m sharing some of my best recipes that you’re going to want to make ASAP.
Is Shrimp Healthier Than Chicken?
Both shrimp and chicken are lean sources of protein, and they’re both healthy in their own right. Shrimp wins in the calorie count, though: one 3 to 4-ounce serving of shrimp contains 15 fewer calories than the same serving of chicken.
Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp
The benefits of shrimp boil down to being high in protein and essential minerals. This and a whole bunch of other benefits, to name a few:
- Protein and minerals. Just 3 ounces of shrimp has over 40 percent of our recommended daily value of protein. It’s also high in immunity-boosting zinc, heart-healthy magnesium, and phosphorus.
- Heart health. Along with magnesium, shrimp has plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower the risk of heart disease.
- Thyroid support. Iodine and selenium are essential minerals for healthy thyroid function.
- Brain power. Shrimp has disease-fighting antioxidants that help protect us against free radical damage, potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative disorders.
- Good for pregnancy. According to the USFDA, shrimp is one of the “Best Choices” of seafood to eat before and during pregnancy. It’s low in mercury and all of the benefits above may help with a baby’s cognitive development. As always, consult with your doctor to know what’s best.
How Often Should You Eat It?
According to the FDA, the recommended amount is two to three 4-ounce servings per week. This goes for shrimp as well as other seafood.
The Best Ways to Cook Shrimp
One more benefit of shrimp? It’s super versatile. There are so many ways to cook it, from boiling to broiling to sauteeing. And of course, how you prepare your seafood has an impact on just how healthy a dish is! Steaming and grilling, for example, are much healthier methods than frying.
Whichever way you prepare it, the key is always food safety. Shrimp should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145ºF to be considered safe to eat. A perfectly cooked shrimp is an opaque pink color and curls slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Many of the recipes below are easy to turn into weeknight dinners featuring all sorts of yummy sides. Here are some tasty serving ideas:
- Rice: Serve up over a bed of Instant Pot Jasmine Rice. Or, swap out the chicken in this low-carb Cauliflower Fried Rice to make shrimp fried rice instead.
- Salad: Serve with a side of Classic Caesar Salad or toss cooked shrimp over a Green Goddess Salad.
- Veggies: Pair it with Grilled Vegetables or Sauteed Spinach for a light, easy dinner.
- Dipping Sauces: Try my spicy homemade Boom Boom Sauce or Cocktail Sauce.
14 Shrimp Recipes to Try
Shrimp is one of the healthiest kinds of seafood, and you’re going to love these easy recipes for grilling, marinading, and even air frying our favorite pink crustacean.
10-Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe
The air fryer is the quickest method for cooking tender, succulent shrimp. This recipe takes just 10 minutes and packs in alllllll the flavor, seasoned with a zesty spice blend of chili, paprika, garlic, and herbs.
How to Grill Shrimp
Learn how to cook shrimp on the grill that comes out perfect every time. I share my favorite spicy lemon seasoning, and walk you through the grilling process for the meatiest, most delicious grilled shrimp. Don’t forget the garlic butter for dipping!
Honey Garlic Grilled Shrimp
You can have this juicy honey garlic shrimp off the grill and onto the table in just 30 minutes! You’ll want to make this family favorite recipe for all your upcoming cookouts.
Honey Sriracha Grilled Shrimp
These sweet and spicy grilled shrimp skewers are coated in an absolutely mouthwatering honey sriracha glaze. This shrimp recipe is an easy way to achieve loads of flavor, with zero marinating.
Sonora Style Ceviche de Camaron
This homemade ceviche is a (sea) breeze to make, filled with juicy shrimp, crunchy veggies, creamy avo, and an irresistible chili kick. The flavors and texture are seriously so good!
Quick & Easy Fresh Shrimp Ceviche
This is another shrimp ceviche recipe that you’re going to want to have on repeat all summer long. Zesty lime, succulent shrimp, fresh herbs and veggies come together with garlic and jalapeño. It’s the ultimate side dish or appetizer.
Easy Mango Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado
One more easy shrimp ceviche for the road, this time with the light, tangy, zingy flavors of mango, tomatoes, chilies, and lime. Serve this as a main or as a side on hot summer nights.
Best Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
When I say that these shrimp tacos are the best, I mean they’re the BEST. Quick to make in 30 minutes or less, and totally jam-packed with flavor thanks to a smoky spice rub. Every tortilla dreams of being loaded up with this delicious shrimp taco recipe!
20 Minute Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp
This garlicky Tuscan-inspired shrimp is a 20 minute dinner idea that never fails to impress. Made with juicy pan-seared shrimp swimming with spinach and ripe tomatoes in a creamy wine sauce.
Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajita Recipe
Shrimp fajitas are an easy one-pan dinner, ready in just 15 minutes! This recipe is paleo-friendly with next to no clean-up. It’s one of my all-time favorite recipes that’s perfect for weeknight meals.
Shrimp Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
Another easy weeknight dinner idea that the whole family will love. These light and fresh grilled shrimp tacos come together in 30 minutes. Serve them wrapped in leafy lettuce topped with homemade mango avocado salsa for a fast, gluten-free meal.
Blackened Shrimp Quinoa Bowl with Avocado Crema
This flavorful and gluten-free shrimp quinoa bowl recipe is perfect for meal prep. It’s made with tender shrimp rubbed with blackening seasoning and drizzled with a zesty avocado crema, for the perfect light lunch or dinner.
Blender Corn Chowder with Shrimp & Corn Relish
I love the pairing of flavors in this silky blended corn chowder topped with pan-seared shrimp and homemade corn relish. Tuck into a bold-flavored bowlful for a delicious meal, any time of the year.
Coconut Shrimp with Thai Chili Ginger Sauce
Of course, we can’t forget coconut shrimp. My lightened-up version of this classic appetizer is ready in 20 minutes, dipped in sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce. Perfect for game day!
Check out my recipe index for even more easy meal ideas made with your favorite ingredients!
