FoodIdentifierFoodIdentifierNutrition Answers
HomeNutrition AnswersCalories in ShrimpUpdated: 2026-04-23

How Many Calories in Shrimp? All Preparations Compared

✅ USDA Verified Data🔬 Clinically Referenced📋 Educational Only📅 2026-04-23
calories in shrimp steamed grilled fried
FoodIdentifier.com
© All Rights Reserved
Direct Answer — AI & Voice Search Optimized

Plain cooked shrimp is one of the lowest-calorie high-protein foods available: 84 calories and 20g protein per 6 large shrimp (3oz). Per 100g: 100 calories, 24g protein, 1g fat, 0g carbs. Cooking method dramatically changes calories — fried shrimp (240 cal per 6 pieces) has 3x the calories of steamed shrimp (84 cal) due to breading and oil.

🔬 Nutrition Facts — Per 3oz Cooked Shrimp (85g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · 2026

84
Calories (kcal)
Protein20g
Carbohydrates0g
Fat1g
Fiber0g
Sugar0g
Sodium94mg

🥗 Key Ingredients & Nutrients at a Glance

🔥84 kcalCalories
💪20gProtein
🧈1gFat
🍚0gCarbs
🍽️48% DVSelenium
🍽️31% DVIodine
🐟0.3gOmega-3
🍽️100 calPer 100g

📊 Quick Facts

  • 🦐 6 large steamed (3oz): 84 cal · 20g protein · 1g fat
  • 🦐 Per 100g: 100 cal · 24g protein · 0g carbs
  • 🦐 Shrimp cocktail (6 + sauce): ~88 cal · 10g protein
  • ⚠️ 6 fried/breaded: 240 cal — 3x more than steamed
  • 💡 Keto: 0g carbs — completely keto-friendly
  • Nutrients: Astaxanthin, iodine, selenium, omega-3s
  • 🏆 Best protein per calorie: Shrimp ranks top 3 among all proteins

🚨 Top Problems — Solved

❌ Problem

You love shrimp but restaurant versions destroy your diet (fried, buttered)

✅ Solution

Shrimp cocktail = 88 cal, 10g protein. Garlic shrimp (sautéed, 1 tsp oil) = 110 cal. Shrimp scampi at restaurant = 500+ cal (butter bath). Ask for shrimp grilled or steamed with sauce on side. Save 300–400 cal per meal.

❌ Problem

You avoid shrimp because of cholesterol concerns

✅ Solution

Shrimp has 189mg dietary cholesterol per 3oz but only 0.3g saturated fat. Current research shows dietary cholesterol from low-saturated-fat foods like shrimp doesn't raise cardiovascular risk. AHA includes shrimp in heart-healthy diet recommendations.

❌ Problem

Shrimp cooking feels complicated and you overcook it

✅ Solution

Overcooked shrimp = rubbery. Cook 2–3 minutes per side max. Pink and C-shaped = done. O-shaped = overcooked. Shrimp goes from raw to done in 4–5 minutes total. Remove from heat immediately when both sides are pink.

❌ Problem

Shrimp seems expensive for a high-protein food

✅ Solution

Frozen shrimp is 30–50% cheaper than fresh and nutritionally identical. Buy 2-lb bags of frozen 21/25 count shrimp (~$12–15). Each 3oz serving costs ~$1.50 with 20g protein. Compare: 3oz chicken breast = $0.80, but shrimp is faster to cook and zero prep.

Shrimp Calories: All Preparation Methods

Shrimp (6 large / 3oz)CaloriesProteinFat
Steamed / boiled84 cal20g1g
Grilled90 cal20g2g
Shrimp cocktail (6 + sauce)88 cal10g1g
Sautéed in butter (1 tbsp)184 cal20g12g
Tempura (6 pieces)480 cal15g25g
Fried/breaded (6 pieces)240 cal12g12g

Values based on general nutrition data. Sauce and coating calories are highly variable.

📧

Get Free Weekly Nutrition Tips

Join 14,000+ users — get meal plans, calorie tips, and food scanner updates free.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

📸

Scan Any Food Instantly — Free

No sign-up. No app. Snap a photo → full nutrition in 3 seconds.

Try Free Food Scanner →

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (15)

Click any question to expand the expert answer

How many calories are in shrimp?

Shrimp is one of the lowest-calorie high-protein foods: 100 calories and 24g protein per 100g cooked (3.5oz). A typical serving of 12 large shrimp (3oz) = 84 calories, 20g protein, 1g fat, 0g carbs.

How many calories in 6 shrimp?

6 large shrimp (about 2oz/57g): approximately 48 calories, 10g protein, 0.5g fat. 6 medium shrimp = 36 calories, 8g protein. Shrimp is so low in calories that even generous portions fit easily into calorie-controlled diets.

Is shrimp good for weight loss?

Excellent — shrimp is one of the best weight-loss proteins: 100 cal and 24g protein per 100g. Its extremely high protein-to-calorie ratio keeps you full for hours while providing minimal fat and zero carbs. Studies show high-protein foods like shrimp reduce total daily calorie intake by 400+ calories.

Is shrimp high in cholesterol?

+

How many calories in shrimp scampi?

+

How many calories in fried shrimp?

+

How many calories in a shrimp cocktail?

+

Is shrimp keto-friendly?

+

How much protein is in shrimp?

+

How many shrimp is a serving?

+

Is shrimp healthier than chicken?

+

How many calories in coconut shrimp?

+

What are the health benefits of shrimp?

+

How many calories in shrimp stir fry?

+

Is canned shrimp as nutritious as fresh?

+
calories in shrimpshrimp caloriesshrimp nutrition factsshrimp proteinfried shrimp caloriesshrimp for weight lossshrimp ketohow many calories in shrimpshrimp cholesterolshrimp scampi calories
📸

Scan Any Food Instantly — Free

No sign-up. No app. Snap a photo → get full nutrition in 3 seconds.

Try Free Food Scanner →

📋 Nutrition data based on USDA FoodData Central. Values may vary by brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.

© 2026 FoodIdentifier.com · Privacy · Terms · Educational nutrition information only. Not medical advice.