If you’re following a keto diet and love seafood, then shrimp can be a perfect choice for your low-carb meals. Shrimp is not only rich in protein but also low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for keto-friendly dishes. At The Pizza Edition, we understand the importance of having flavorful and easy-to-make recipes that fit into your keto lifestyle. That’s why in this article, we’ll explore a variety of keto diet recipes shrimp that will satisfy your taste buds while keeping you on track with your diet.
What is the Keto Diet and Why Shrimp?
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that has gained popularity for its effectiveness in helping people lose weight and improve overall health. The key to the keto diet is to shift your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This is achieved by drastically reducing carb intake and increasing healthy fats.
Shrimp, being incredibly low in carbs and rich in lean protein, fits perfectly into the keto diet. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains less than 1 gram of carbs and provides about 20 grams of protein, making it an ideal food for those on a ketogenic plan. At The Pizza Edition, we recommend shrimp because it’s versatile, quick to cook, and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Benefits of Using Shrimp in Keto Diet Recipes
Shrimp is a fantastic ingredient for those on the keto diet due to its nutritional profile. It’s a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins, and minerals such as selenium and iodine. Incorporating shrimp into your keto meals offers several benefits:
- Low in Carbs: As mentioned, shrimp is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it easy to integrate into any keto meal without worrying about exceeding your daily carb limits.
- High in Protein: Protein helps you stay full and supports muscle maintenance, especially important when losing weight on the keto diet.
- Rich in Nutrients: Shrimp provides important nutrients like B12 and selenium, which support immune health and cellular function.
Now, let’s dive into some of the best keto diet recipes shrimp you can try at home.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Garlic butter shrimp is a classic dish that’s not only delicious but also keto-friendly. This recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and lemon for a burst of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal.
This dish is perfect for a quick dinner after a long day and pairs well with many keto sides.
Keto Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is traditionally served over pasta, but in this keto diet recipes shrimp version, we swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or “zoodles.” This light and refreshing dish is bursting with garlic, butter, and lemon flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 zucchini, spiralized
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic until golden.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the spiralized zucchini to the pan and toss to combine with the shrimp and sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Zucchini noodles offer a wonderful low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, keeping the carb count low and the flavors high.
Cajun Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
For a spicier take on keto diet recipes shrimp, try Cajun shrimp lettuce wraps. This dish is packed with bold flavors and offers a fun, hands-on way to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 large butter lettuce leaves
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Toss the shrimp in Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Assemble the lettuce wraps by placing a few shrimp in each leaf, along with avocado slices and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
These wraps are great for lunch or as an appetizer at your next gathering. The butter lettuce serves as a crisp, carb-free vessel for the flavorful shrimp.
Coconut Shrimp with a Keto Twist
Coconut shrimp is a favorite dish in many households, but the traditional recipe is often too high in carbs. This keto-friendly version uses almond flour and unsweetened shredded coconut for a crispy, low-carb coating.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine almond flour, shredded coconut, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each shrimp in the beaten eggs, then dredge in the almond flour mixture.
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the shrimp until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with a side of keto-friendly dipping sauce, such as a spicy mayo or garlic aioli.
This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something indulgent without breaking your keto diet.
Keto Shrimp Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are a quick and easy meal option for anyone on the keto diet. This keto diet recipes shrimp stir-fry includes plenty of low-carb vegetables and a savory sauce that makes for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Add the vegetables to the pan and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Return the shrimp to the pan and pour in soy sauce or coconut aminos. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
This keto shrimp stir-fry is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a great option for a balanced, low-carb meal.
At The Pizza Edition, we believe that delicious meals don’t have to be sacrificed when following a keto lifestyle. These keto diet recipes shrimp provide a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring that you never get bored while sticking to your keto plan.