About 85 calories per 3 oz serving — one of the leanest protein sources you can find.
Shrimp is a standout when it comes to protein-per-calorie. A standard 3 oz (85g) serving of cooked shrimp packs 20 grams of protein into just 85 calories — making it one of the most efficient protein sources in any kitchen.
Whether you grill it, sauté it, or toss it into a stir-fry, shrimp gives you serious nutritional value without a heavy calorie footprint. It's also rich in selenium, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
How you cook shrimp changes the calorie count significantly. Here's how different preparations compare for a 3 oz serving:
~85 calories. The leanest option. Pure protein with almost no added fat. Perfect for shrimp cocktail or adding to salads.
~100 calories. A touch of oil for the grill adds minimal calories. Great flavor, still very lean. Excellent with vegetables.
~150 calories. Butter adds richness and about 65 extra calories. Worth it when you want something more indulgent — still reasonable.
~230 calories. Breading and frying roughly triples the calories. Not something to avoid — just good to be aware of when you ask before you eat.
Shrimp is one of those rare foods that's both satisfying and incredibly low-calorie. Here's why it's a great choice no matter what your wellness goals look like:
Protein-dense: At 20g of protein per serving, shrimp helps you stay satisfied longer. Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, and shrimp delivers it without the calorie load of fattier proteins.
Versatile: Shrimp works in nearly everything — tacos, stir-fries, pasta, salads, grain bowls. It takes on the flavor of whatever you cook it with, making it easy to keep meals interesting.
Quick to prepare: Shrimp cooks in 3-5 minutes. On busy nights, that matters. Less friction means you're more likely to eat at home rather than ordering out.
With AskBeforeYouEat, you can log shrimp in seconds — just say "I had grilled shrimp with rice" and the AI handles the rest. No searching databases. No guessing portion sizes.
A 3 oz (85g) serving of cooked shrimp has about 85 calories, 20g protein, 0.5g fat, and 0g carbs. It's one of the highest-protein, lowest-calorie seafood options available.
Shrimp is excellent for supporting a healthy calorie balance. It's very high in protein and very low in calories, making it one of the most nutrient-dense protein sources you can choose.
Fried shrimp has roughly 210-250 calories per 3 oz serving, depending on the breading and oil. The breading and frying adds about 130-165 calories compared to grilled or steamed shrimp.
Shrimp contains about 166mg of cholesterol per serving — which sounds high, but research shows dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol than previously thought. For most people, shrimp is a perfectly healthy choice.
Just type what you had — "shrimp stir-fry with vegetables" or "six grilled shrimp." The AI parses it into calories and macros automatically. No databases, no barcodes.
Explore nutrition info for other popular foods:
Calories in Salmon · Calories in Chicken Breast · Calories in Tuna · Calories in Eggs
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