Carnivore Diet: Shrimp Benefits and Recipes

Shrimp, a popular and versatile seafood, can be a valuable addition to a carnivore diet. This article explores the benefits of incorporating shrimp into a carnivore diet and provides several delicious recipes to try. Medically reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD on August 10, 2025.

Why Shrimp Fits into a Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet, based on animal foods, excludes plant-based foods. The core idea is that animal foods provide everything your body needs. Protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Shrimp is 100% carnivore-compliant in its pure form, offering a break from heavier meats like beef or lamb. While some strict versions of the carnivore diet may prioritize ruminant animals, shrimp is generally accepted by most carnivore dieters.

Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp

Shrimp are primarily composed of protein and water and are low in carbs and calories, making them ideal for weight management. A 100-gram serving of cooked shrimp contains:

• Calories: 99
• Fat: 0.3 grams
• Carbs: 0.2 grams
• Cholesterol: 189 milligrams
• Sodium: 111 milligrams
• Protein: 24 grams

Shrimp also provides essential vitamins and minerals, including:

• Phosphorus
• Copper
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Selenium
• Vitamin B12
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These nutrients contribute to various health benefits, such as supporting brain function, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health. Shrimp helps fill some of these in without stepping outside of the diet’s core rules.

Read also: The Carnivore Diet: An Autoimmune Solution?

Potential Health Concerns and How to Mitigate Them

While shrimp offers numerous benefits, it's essential to be aware of potential health concerns and take precautions.

Foodborne Illnesses

Raw shrimp can harbor harmful bacteria like Vibrio, leading to vibriosis. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, and fever. In severe cases, it can cause bloodstream infection with symptoms like fever, chills, low blood pressure, and blistering skin lesions. To avoid this, cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C).

Shrimp can also carry parasites. Purchase raw shrimp from reputable restaurants and markets known for cleanliness and safety. The FDA recommends freezing seafood that’s sold for raw consumption should be at -4 F (-20 C) or below for 7 days.

Allergies

Shellfish, including shrimp, is a common allergen. Be cautious of unusual smells, especially ammonia, which indicates bacterial growth.

Cholesterol

Although shrimp is high in cholesterol, modern research suggests that saturated fat intake has a greater impact on body cholesterol levels than dietary cholesterol. Still, moderation is key.

Read also: The Carnivore Diet's Impact on Sleep

Mercury Levels

Shrimp typically has low levels of mercury and is generally safe to eat during pregnancy.

Tips for Buying and Preparing Shrimp

• Fresh vs. Frozen: Unless you live near the coast, shrimp at your local grocery likely aren't fresh. They'll be frozen or previously frozen and thawed. Some food experts will tell you it's OK to buy thawed shrimp if you plan on cooking them right away. Just don't refreeze them. Others argue that thawed shrimp may have been frozen and thawed more than once, which affects both texture and flavor. "Fresh frozen" shrimp, frozen shortly after harvest, is often a better option than thawed shrimp. Avoid packages with ice crystals or frost.
• Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised: Opt for wild-caught shrimp, which tend to be cleaner and more nutrient-dense than farm-raised shrimp.
• Cleaning: Soak shrimp in cold water (some cooks use salt water) before cleaning. Remove the shell by pulling off the legs and separating the shell from the body. Deveining, removing the black digestive tract, is optional.
• Cooking: Cook shrimp completely using methods like boiling, steaming, grilling, broiling, or sautéing.

Carnivore Diet Shrimp Recipes

Shrimp is a versatile protein that can be cooked in various ways to keep your carnivore diet exciting. Here are some recipes to try:

Carnivore Surf and Turf

This recipe combines steak and shrimp for a protein-packed and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Steak (ribeye, sirloin, or your favorite cut)
• 8 oz (230 g) large, peeled, and deveined shrimp
• 2 tablespoons butter or tallow
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Take the steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or tallow to the skillet and let it melt.
3. Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Season with salt to taste.
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a plate, loosely covered with foil while you do further preparations.
5. While the steak is resting, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter or tallow on the skillet and let it melt.
6. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are pink and just cooked through.
7. Place your beautifully cooked steak on a plate and arrange the shrimp on top or beside it. Top tip: Pour any remaining butter from the skillet over the steak and shrimp for that extra hit of flavor. Serve immediately.

For added flavor, consider these variations:

• Garlic Lover’s Delight: Add crushed garlic to the butter while cooking the steak and shrimp.
• Herb Infusion: Add some dried herbs like oregano, rosemary, or thyme to the butter before you cook the steak and shrimp.
• Citrus Zing: Squeeze a bit of fresh organic lemon or lime juice over the shrimp just before serving.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper or a dash of Louisiana Hot Sauce over the shrimp.
• Smoky Sensation: Use smoked sea salt instead of regular sea salt for a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the steak and shrimp. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika to bring on even more smoky flavors.
• Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled blue cheese over the steak and shrimp just before serving.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or basil.

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

This recipe combines the flavors of shrimp and bacon for a savory and satisfying dish.

Read also: Troubleshooting Carnivore Diet Diarrhea

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. shrimp (about 20 pieces, peeled, with tails on)
• 7 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 4 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°.
2. Spread aluminum foil over a baking sheet.
3. Use a bacon slice to wrap each shrimp. Then stick a toothpick in to fix it. Place it all on the baking sheet.
4. Melt the butter and brush the bacon-wrapped shrimp with it.
5. Bake for 15 minutes. Now, the bacon must look crispy, and the shrimp cooked.
6. Brush the bacon-wrapped shrimp again with the remaining butter and broil for 3 minutes.

Carnivore Crispy Fried Shrimp

This recipe uses pork rinds as a coating for crispy and flavorful fried shrimp.

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Pork rind crumbs
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Cajun seasoning (optional)
• Eggs
• Beef tallow for frying

Instructions:

1. Pat the shrimp dry using a paper towel to ensure the coating adheres properly.
2. In a Ziploc bag, combine the pork rind crumbs, parmesan cheese, and optional seasoning. Seal the bag and shake until the mixture is evenly blended.
3. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them thoroughly.
4. Dip each shrimp into the whisked eggs, ensuring they are completely coated.
5. Transfer the shrimp to the Ziploc bag with the crumb mixture. Seal the bag and shake gently to coat each shrimp evenly.
6. Heat beef tallow in a skillet or deep fryer to 375°F.
7. Fry the shrimp until golden brown and crispy.
8. Carnivore Smoked Salmon Egg Scramble

Other Carnivore Diet Shrimp Recipe Variations

• Pan-Seared Shrimp: Heat beef tallow or ghee in a cast-iron skillet, add your peeled shrimp, and sear for 1-2 minutes per side.
• Grilled Shrimp: Thread shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, dust with salt, and grill over high heat.
• Boiled Shrimp in Bone Broth: Boil shrimp in beef or pork bone broth with a knob of butter or tallow to boost the fat content.
• Shrimp and Pork Belly Stir-Fry: Heat beef fat until hot, toss in your shrimp, and cook until golden. Add pre-crisped pork belly pieces or chopped bacon toward the end for texture.
• Carnivore Deviled Eggs: Hard boil some eggs, slice in half, and mix the yolks with minced boiled shrimp and a touch of melted ghee or bacon grease. Pipe the mixture back into the egg whites.

Creamy Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Wine or broth
• Shrimp
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350F.
2. In a saucepan add the butter and the minced garlic and saute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add the wine or broth to the saucepan and combine using a spoon.
4. Add the shrimp to a baking dish. Pour butter mixture over shrimp and top with parmesan cheese.
5. Bake at 350F for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven, when the shrimp has turned pink.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

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