Are shrimp good for you?

Are shrimp good for you? The quick answer is, yes! This high-protein crustacean has many health benefits. I share these below, along with 14 healthy shrimp recipes you can try tonight.

Are shrimp healthy for you?

Short answer: yes. Shrimp may be small, but they are mighty and pack a lot of nutritional value. From protein to minerals to omega-3s, one low-calorie serving packs a ton of nutrients. It’s one of the most popular seafood in America, and for good reason!

If you love shrimp recipes as much as I do, it’s very satisfying to know they’re good for you too. Below we dive into all the health benefits of this mini seafood. Plus, I’m sharing some of my best recipes you’ll want to make ASAP.

Are Shrimp Healthier Than Chicken?

shrimp and chicken Both are sources of lean protein, and both are healthy in their own right. Shrimp wins out in terms of calories, though: A 3- to 4-ounce serving contains 15 fewer calories than the same serving of chicken.

Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp

The benefits of shrimp come down to being rich in protein and essential minerals. This and a whole host of other benefits, to name a few:

• protein and minerals. Just 3 ounces of shrimp contain over 40 percent of our daily recommended protein intake. It’s also rich in immune-boosting zinc, heart-healthy magnesium and phosphorus.
• heart health. In addition to magnesium, shrimp is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Thyroid support. Iodine and selenium are minerals necessary for healthy thyroid function.
• mental power. Shrimp contains disease-fighting antioxidants that help protect us from free radical damage, which may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
• Good for pregnancy. according to US Food and Drug AdministrationShrimp is one of the “best choices” for eating seafood before and during pregnancy. It’s low in mercury, and all of the above benefits may help babies’ cognitive development. As always, consult your doctor to learn about your best options.

How often should you take it?

According to the FDA, the recommended serving size is 2 to 3 4-ounce servings per week. This applies to shrimp and other seafood.

Best Ways to Cook Shrimp

Another good thing about shrimp? It’s super versatile. There are many ways to cook it, from boiling to roasting to sautéing. Of course, how you prepare your seafood can affect how healthy a dish is! For example, steaming and grilling are healthier methods than frying.

No matter how you prepare it, the key is always food safety. Shrimp should have a minimum internal temperature of 145°F to be safe to eat. Cooked shrimp are opaque pink and slightly curled.

Edible advice

Many of the recipes below are easy to turn into healthy weeknight meals and include a variety of delicious side dishes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

14 Healthy Shrimp Recipes to Try

Shrimp is one of the healthiest seafood, and you’ll love these easy recipes for grilling, marinating, or even air frying our favorite pink crustaceans.

10 Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe

An air fryer is the fastest way to cook tender, juicy shrimp. This recipe takes just 10 minutes and packs all the flavors with a spicy spice mix of cayenne, paprika, garlic, and herbs.

How to Grill Shrimp

Learn how to cook shrimp on the grill that turns out perfect every time. I share my favorite spicy lemon dressing and walk you through the process of grilling the meatiest, tastiest grilled shrimp ever. Don’t forget the garlic butter dip!

Honey Garlic Baked Shrimp

In just 30 minutes, you can have this succulent Honey Garlic Shrimp off the grill and on the table! 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 with an absolutely mouth-watering honey Sriracha glaze. This shrimp recipe is an easy way to get rich flavor with zero marinating.

Sonora-Style Shrimp Ceviche

Easy to make, this homemade ceviche is filled with succulent shrimp, crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and irresistible chili zest. The taste and texture are really good!

Quick and Easy Fresh Shrimp Ceviche

Here’s another shrimp ceviche recipe you’ll want to repeat all summer long. Tangy lime, succulent shrimp, fresh herbs and vegetables, and garlic and jalapeños. This is the ultimate healthy side dish or appetizer.

Easy Mango Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

Another easy shrimp ceviche dish, this time with the light, tangy, spicy flavors of mango, tomato, peppers, and lime. Serve it as a main course or side dish on a hot summer night.

The Best Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Salad

When I say these shrimp tacos are the best, I mean they are the best. It’s quick to make in 30 minutes or less, and full-bodied in flavor thanks to smoky spices. Every taco dreams of eating this delicious shrimp taco recipe!

20 Minute Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp

This Tuscan-style garlic shrimp is a 20-minute dinner idea that never fails to impress. Made with succulent pan-fried shrimp, healthy spinach and ripe tomatoes in a cream wine sauce.

Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

Shrimp Fajitas are an easy one-pot dinner that’s ready in just 15 minutes! This recipe is paleo friendly and requires very little clean up. This is one of my all-time favorite recipes and it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Shrimp Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa

Another easy weeknight dinner idea the whole family will love. These light and fresh grilled shrimp tacos are ready in just 30 minutes. Wrap them in green lettuce and top with homemade mango avocado salsa for a quick, gluten-free meal.

Black Shrimp Quinoa Bowls with Avocado Cream

This delicious and gluten-free Shrimp Quinoa Bowl recipe is perfect for meal prep. Made with tender shrimp, slathered in blackened seasoning and drizzled with delicious avocado butter, it’s the perfect light lunch or dinner.

Blender Corn Chowder with Shrimp and Corn Sauce

I love this silky mixed corn chowder topped with pan-fried shrimp and homemade corn relish. Enjoy a full-flavored bowl of healthy meals any time of year.

Coconut Shrimp with Thai Chili Ginger Sauce

Of course, we can’t forget the coconut shrimp. My light version of this classic appetizer is ready in 20 minutes, dipped in a sweet and spicy Thai chili sauce. Perfect for game day!