Shrimp is a fantastic keto-friendly protein source that can be used in a variety of delicious and easy recipes. This article explores some of the best keto shrimp recipes, offering a range of flavors and cooking methods to suit any taste.
Keto Cajun Shrimp
For those who love a bit of spice, Keto Cajun Shrimp is an excellent choice. This ultra low-carb, one-pan recipe contains about 1 net carb per serving. The combination of the succulent shrimp and the creamy Cajun sauce is simply irresistible.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: Use raw, shelled shrimp.
- Cajun Seasoning: A homemade blend of paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory taste.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, add garlic and the raw, shelled shrimp to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the Cajun spices over the shrimp.
- Cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
Storage
Cajun Shrimp should be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to four days.
Keto Shrimp Coconut Curry
This Keto Shrimp Coconut Curry offers a distinctive taste and flavor, thanks to the combination of cumin, cinnamon, and curry spices.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: Any size of shrimp can be used, but medium-sized, peeled, and deveined shrimp are ideal.
- Unsweetened Coconut Milk: The quality of coconut milk matters. Thai Kitchen organic coconut milk brand is recommended for a richer, less watery curry.
- Spices: Curry powder, black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, and salt.
Cooking Instructions
- Rub the shrimps with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional) and set aside.
- Peel and chop the onions and ginger, and mince the garlic.
- Heat oil in a pan, then add the onions, ginger, and garlic, and stir for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the coconut milk and spices.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through.
- If the sauce becomes too thick before the shrimp is cooked, add about ¼ cup of water.
- If the curry ends up a bit watery, mix 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of water, and pour it into the curry to thicken it.
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp is a low-carb dinner that the entire family will enjoy. This dish combines juicy shrimp with a creamy sauce, plump tomatoes, and beautiful seasoning.
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Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tails removed.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the shrimp.
- Butter: Enhances the flavor and adds healthy fats.
- Garlic: Adds a savory element.
- Tomatoes: Cherry, grape, or sundried tomatoes provide sweetness.
- Baby Spinach: Adds color and nutrients.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy texture.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- Basil: Provides a delightful garnish and vibrant flavor.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the oil with the butter in a skillet.
- Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook each side for 1 minute.
- Add the garlic, tomatoes, and spinach to the skillet and saute for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and basil, then reduce heat to medium.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
Tips
- Frozen shrimp can be used; thaw it in cool water for about 15 minutes.
- Do not freeze leftovers, as the sauce may separate.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Keto Shrimp Stir-Fry
This Keto Shrimp Stir-Fry is an easy one-pan recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Tender and juicy shrimp are sauteed with garlic, snow peas, and red bell peppers, all coated in a delicious savory Asian-inspired sauce.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large shrimp (16/20 count size), peeled and deveined.
- Red Bell Peppers: Adds sweetness and color.
- Snow Peas: Adds a crisp texture.
- Garlic: Provides a savory flavor.
- Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note.
- Green Onions: Used for garnish.
- Sesame Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Cilantro: Provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
For the Sauce
- Orange Juice: Adds sweetness and acidity.
- Orange Zest: Enhances the orange flavor.
- Chicken Stock: Provides a savory base.
- Coconut Aminos: A soy-free alternative to soy sauce.
- Fish Sauce: Adds umami flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness.
- Red Chili Flakes: Optional, for heat.
- Xanthan Gum: To thicken the sauce.
Cooking Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a wok or skillet over high heat. Add oil and heat until just beginning to smoke.
- Add shrimp to the pan in a single layer and cook for 1 minute per side, until pink. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Add bell peppers and snow peas to the wok and cook for 1 minute without moving. Stir the vegetables and cook until lightly browned and crisp.
- Add garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Gradually stir in the orange sauce to the side of the pan. Allow the sauce to boil for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce is thickened.
- Add shrimp back to the pan and cook until heated through. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, as needed.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir-fry on its own or with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
Keto Honey Garlic Shrimp
The sweet and salty combination of this honey garlic shrimp is exceptional. This recipe uses a keto-friendly honey substitute to maintain a low-carb profile.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Keto Honey: Sweetened with allulose and zero net carbs.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory taste.
- Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy note.
- Avocado Oil: For cooking the shrimp.
Cooking Instructions
- In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the keto honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until all ingredients are combined equally.
- Add the shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the honey garlic marinade over your shrimp, reserving the other half for the sauce later. Stir to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place your shrimp into the skillet in a single layer and discard the marinade you used for the shrimp. Cook your shrimp until one side is pink, about 45 seconds, then flip shrimp over.
- Pour your remaining marinade that you set aside into skillet. Cook until the shrimp is cooked through, should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve shrimp over cauliflower rice or with your favorite side dish.
Keto Shrimp Scampi
This Keto Shrimp Scampi is a quick and delicious low-carb dinner option. Tender, buttery shrimp, swimming in garlic and parsley, served on delicate ribbons of spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
Key Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory taste.
- Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Spaghetti Squash or Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
Cooking Instructions
- Cook spaghetti squash or prepare zucchini noodles.
- Sauté shrimp in butter and garlic until pink and cooked through.
- Add parsley and toss to combine.
- Serve over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
Tips
- If spaghetti squash is unavailable, zucchini noodles make an excellent substitute.
- For non-keto family members, serve the shrimp scampi over traditional pasta.
Other Keto Shrimp Recipe Ideas
- Keto Chinese Orange Peel Shrimp: A remake of the classic sweet and spicy orange peel shrimp.
- Air Fryer Shrimp: Quick and easy, can be modified for various flavor combinations.
- Shrimp and Grits: A keto remake combining bacon, chorizo, shrimp, and cauliflower rice.
- Shrimp Kabobs: Spicy and sweet, perfect for grilling.
- General Tso Shrimp: A keto-friendly take on Chinese takeout.
- Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers: Perfect for seafood lovers who don't want to bother with a grill.
- Cajun Shrimp Salad: Includes bacon and a homemade cilantro lime dressing.
General Tips for Cooking Shrimp
- Don't Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid rubbery shrimp.
- Devein Shrimp: Use a small knife or kitchen shears to make a shallow cut along the back, then remove the vein.
- Thaw Frozen Shrimp Properly: Thaw frozen shrimp in cool water. Never use warm or hot water.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor of the dish.
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