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If you’re a fan of seafood and following a keto diet, shrimp is a fantastic choice. It’s versatile, quick to cook, and pairs wonderfully with a variety of low-carb ingredients. In this article, I’ll share 10 keto shrimp recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also delicious and satisfying.

Why Choose Keto Shrimp Recipes?

Keto shrimp recipes are an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy tasty meals while sticking to a low-carb lifestyle. Let’s dive into why shrimp is a great fit for keto and how you can incorporate it into your diet.

The Benefits of Shrimp on a Keto Diet

Shrimp is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it an ideal ingredient for keto meals. It’s also rich in essential nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. The high protein content helps keep you full and supports muscle maintenance, which is crucial when you’re on a keto diet.

How Shrimp Fits into Your Low-Carb Lifestyle

Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes, from salads to stir-fries, making it easy to keep your meals exciting. Its mild flavor also allows it to absorb the seasonings and sauces you pair it with, giving you endless possibilities for keto-friendly dishes.

Keto Shrimp Recipes: Essential Ingredients

To create the perfect keto shrimp recipes, it’s important to choose ingredients that complement shrimp’s delicate flavor while keeping the carb count low.

Choosing the Right Shrimp

When selecting shrimp, opt for fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save time. Wild-caught shrimp is often considered the best choice for its flavor and environmental impact. Be sure to thaw frozen shrimp before cooking for even results.

Low-Carb Flavorings and Marinades

Herbs, spices, and citrus juices are great for adding flavor to shrimp without adding carbs. Garlic, lemon, parsley, and smoked paprika are popular choices. For marinades, use olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut milk to add richness while keeping the dish keto-friendly.

Healthy Fats and Keto-Friendly Sauces

Incorporating healthy fats like butter, ghee, and cream into your shrimp dishes not only enhances flavor but also supports your keto goals. Keto-friendly sauces such as sugar-free mayo, aioli, and pesto can also elevate your shrimp recipes.

Keto Shrimp Recipes: Equipment Needed

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following tools:

• A large skillet or frying pan
• A grill or grill pan for grilling
• Mixing bowls
• A sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs for flipping shrimp

Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking process is efficient and your dishes turn out perfectly.

Keto Shrimp Recipes

Here are 10 delicious keto shrimp recipes that are perfect for any meal of the day. These recipes are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your seafood cravings while keeping you on track with your keto diet.

1. Garlic Butter Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley, setting them aside for later.

Cooking the Dish

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
4. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another minute to combine the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this garlic butter shrimp over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh green salad for a light and flavorful keto meal.

2. Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles

1. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and set aside.
2. Spiralize the zucchini into noodles and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.

Cooking the Dish

1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, white wine (if using), and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
6. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This shrimp scampi is perfect for a quick and easy keto dinner that feels indulgent.

3. Coconut Shrimp with Spicy Mayo

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

For the Spicy Mayo:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (sugar-free)
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
• 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp

1. In a shallow bowl, mix the shredded coconut, almond flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
3. Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat with the coconut mixture.

Cooking the Dish

1. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
3. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the coconut shrimp with the spicy mayo on the side for dipping. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a main course, paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

4. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mince the garlic and chop the sun-dried tomatoes, setting them aside.

Cooking the Dish

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth, and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
6. Stir in the baby spinach until wilted.
7. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy Tuscan shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a rich, comforting keto meal that’s full of flavor.

5. Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instriuctions

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Set aside to cool slightly.

Assembling the Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the avocado, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro.
2. Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl and drizzle with lime juice.
3. Gently toss the salad to combine.

Serving Suggestions

This shrimp and avocado salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Serve it on its own or with a side of mixed greens.

6. Cajun Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp and Vegetables

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and Cajun seasoning until well coated.
2. Thread the shrimp, bell peppers, and onion onto the skewers, alternating between shrimp and vegetables.

Cooking the Dish

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are pink and the vegetables are slightly charred.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Cajun shrimp skewers with lemon wedges and a side of cauliflower rice or grilled vegetables for a spicy, flavorful meal.

7. Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Cooking the Dish

1. Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers.
2. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
3. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and slightly charred.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lemon herb grilled shrimp with a side of grilled asparagus or a fresh green salad for a light, summery keto meal.

8. Shrimp Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1/2 cup snap peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp and Vegetables

1. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
2. Slice the bell pepper, zucchini, and snap peas, and mince the garlic.

Cooking the Dish

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and snap peas to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
5. Stir in the soy sauce or coconut aminos and sesame oil.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this shrimp stir-fry over cauliflower rice for a quick and easy keto meal that’s full of vibrant flavors and textures.

9. Shrimp Stuffed Avocados

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (sugar-free)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Set aside to cool slightly.

Assembling the Stuffed Avocados

1. Scoop out a small amount of avocado flesh from each half to create a larger cavity for the filling.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, mayonnaise, lime juice, and cilantro. Toss to coat.
3. Spoon the shrimp mixture into the avocado halves.

Serving Suggestions

These shrimp stuffed avocados make a fantastic light lunch or appetizer. Garnish with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added flavor.

10. Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups cauliflower rice
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Shrimp and Cauliflower Rice

1. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the bell pepper and green onions for 3-4 minutes until tender.
4. Add the cauliflower rice and soy sauce or coconut aminos, stirring to combine.

Assembling the Bowl

1. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss with the cauliflower rice mixture.
2. Cook for another 2 minutes to warm everything through.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve this shrimp and cauliflower rice bowl as a hearty, keto-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Keto Shrimp Recipes: Tips for Perfect Keto Shrimp

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid a rubbery texture. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
• Not Patting Shrimp Dry: Moisture can prevent shrimp from getting a good sear, so pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
• Using Too Much Sauce: While sauces add flavor, using too much can overpower the shrimp. Start with less and add more as needed.

Customizing Your Keto Shrimp Recipes

Feel free to get creative with these keto shrimp recipes by adding your favorite low-carb ingredients. Try different herbs, spices, and vegetables to make each dish your own. You can also swap shrimp for other seafood like scallops or mussels to keep things interesting while still sticking to your keto goals. Customizing your recipes allows you to experiment with flavors and create new dishes that you and your family will love.

Conclusion

Keto shrimp recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of delicious and low-carb meals that are both quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re in the mood for something light like a shrimp and avocado salad or craving a hearty dish like creamy Tuscan shrimp, these recipes offer something for everyone. By incorporating these meals into your weekly menu, you can stay on track with your keto diet while still enjoying flavorful, satisfying food.

So grab your skillet or fire up the grill, and start cooking up these keto shrimp recipes. They’re sure to become some of your go-to favorites in no time!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for these keto recipes?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well for these recipes. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

2. How should I store leftover keto shrimp dishes?

Store leftover shrimp dishes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

3. Are there any keto-friendly sauces I can use with shrimp?

Yes, sauces like garlic butter, lemon herb, and spicy mayo are great keto-friendly options. Just be sure to check that they’re low in carbs and sugar-free.

4. Can I meal prep keto shrimp recipes?

Absolutely! Many of these shrimp recipes are perfect for meal prep. Cook the shrimp and prepare the sides, then store them in individual containers for easy, ready-to-eat meals throughout the week.

5. What are some good side dishes to serve with keto shrimp?

Keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad are perfect accompaniments to shrimp dishes, adding both nutrition and flavor to your meal.