A Light and Healthy Option: The Calorie Content of Shrimp Cooked with Moist Heat

Shrimp is a classic seafood choice loved for its sweet, briny flavor. When cooked using moist heat methods like steaming boiling or sautéing, it remains tender and juicy. But how many calories are in shrimp prepared this healthy way? Let’s dive into the nutrition facts.

Overview of Calorie Content

A 3 ounce serving of shrimp cooked with moist heat contains approximately:

• Calories: 84
• Fat: 1g
• Carbs: 0g
• Protein: 18g

So a serving this size provides 84 calories, mainly from protein. There are minimal carbs and fat The calorie count is considered low, making shrimp a light, diet-friendly choice

Calorie Difference in Cooking Methods

While moist heat shrimp is low cal, the cooking method impacts its nutrition profile. Compare calories in 3 ounces of:

• Steamed shrimp: 84 calories
• Grilled shrimp: 89 calories
• Broiled shrimp: 84 calories
• Fried breaded shrimp: 170 calories

Frying adds a significant amount of extra calories from the oil and breading. Moist heat methods like steaming boiling poaching or sautéing in a nonstick pan are your best bet for keeping calories down.

Nutrition Benefits Beyond Calories

In addition to being low calorie, shrimp cooked with moist heat offers excellent nutrition:

• High in protein to help fill you up. A 3 ounce serving provides over 35% DV.

• Contains omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA for heart and brain health.

• Provides iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and B vitamins.

• Low in sodium compared to many seafood items.

• Minimal carbs and sugar make it keto and diabetic friendly.

So moist heat shrimp gives you high protein, vital nutrients and low calories in one flavorful package!

Calories in Common Serving Sizes

Shrimp comes in an array of sizes, so calorie counts vary. Here are the calories for popular serving sizes:

• 5 small shrimp (100g): 99 calories
• 8 medium shrimp (170g): 167 calories
• 3 large shrimp (85g): 84 calories
• 12 jumbo shrimp (170g): 167 calories

Larger shrimp have more calories per piece, but typical servings have fewer jumbo shrimp than smaller shrimp. Check the gram weight to most accurately compare servings.

Tips for Serving Shrimp Moist Heat

Here are some tips for enjoying moist heat shrimp as part of a healthy, calorie-conscious diet:

• Opt for steaming, grilling, sautéing, or poaching instead of frying.

• Flavor it with fresh herbs, lemon, spices, garlic rather than heavy sauces.

• Pair it with low calorie sides like vegetables, salad, or cauliflower rice.

• Use in salads, bowls, tacos, wraps, and stir fries for light meals.

• Skewer and grill for easy portion control.

• Choose sustainable wild caught shrimp when possible.

With its stellar nutrition and mild calorie content, shrimp cooked using moist heat methods is a slimming yet satisfying way to enjoy seafood!