Get Your Fill of Protein with 6 Delicious Shrimp

Shrimp are a powerhouse source of protein, packing nearly 8 grams into just 6 medium-sized shrimp. With this nutrient density, it’s easy to meet your daily protein needs by incorporating shrimp into your diet. Keep reading to learn just how much protein is in 6 shrimp, the health benefits of shrimp, and tasty ways to enjoy these protein-packed shellfish.

An Overview of Shrimp’s Protein Content

Shrimp provide a substantial dose of high-quality, lean protein A 3 ounce serving of cooked shrimp contains about 18 grams of protein for only 90 calories Protein makes up about 80% of the calories.

More specifically, nutrition data shows us that 6 medium shrimp (about 85 grams) contains approximately 8.3 grams of protein. That represents 16% of the recommended daily amount for most adults. While a single serving of 6 shrimp alone may not fully meet your protein requirements, it makes a significant contribution.

Shrimp offer protein comparable to other seafood, meat, and poultry on a gram for gram basis. Ounce for ounce, shrimp actually has more protein than chicken breast. The protein in shrimp is complete, meaning it provides all the essential amino acids your body needs from food in the right proportions.

The Many Health Benefits of Shrimp

In addition to being a high quality protein source, shrimp offer several other important health benefits:

• High in selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and antioxidant carotenoids like astaxanthin
• Provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
• Contains more iron than other seafood sources
• Low in mercury and considered one of the safest seafood choices
• Rich in iodine which supports thyroid function
• Very low in saturated fat and calories

Consuming shrimp, as part of a balanced diet, can help you meet nutrient needs and may protect against various diseases. The selenium in shrimp acts as an antioxidant, while zinc boosts immunity. Astaxanthin shields cells from damage. Omega-3s reduce inflammation.

Counting Protein Grams in Different Serving Sizes

The amount of protein in shrimp depends on the size and number being eaten. Here’s how much protein is found in different common serving sizes:

• 1 small shrimp: 1 gram protein
• 1 medium shrimp: 1.4 grams protein
• 1 large shrimp: 1.8 grams protein
• 3 ounces cooked shrimp (about 8 medium): 18 grams protein
• 6 ounces cooked shrimp (about 16 medium): 36 grams protein

As a general rule, larger shrimp contain more meat and therefore more protein per shrimp. But the protein adds up quickly regardless of shrimp size, making them an easy way to ingest protein-rich seafood.

Ways to Add More Shrimp to Your Diet

There are so many options for enjoying succulent shrimp in your recipes:

• Shrimp tacos or fajitas – Sauté shrimp with fajita seasoning and pile into soft tortillas with fixings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro.

• Shrimp salad – Mix cooked shrimp with mayo, lemon juice, celery, onion, and dill for a protein-packed spin on classic chicken salad.

• Shrimp pasta – Toss shrimp with linguine, olive oil, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese for a fast weeknight dinner.

• Shrimp skewers – Alternate shrimp and veggies like peppers and onions on skewers for easy grilling.

• Shrimp stir fry – Stir fry shrimp with snap peas, carrots, and teriyaki sauce over rice or cauliflower rice.

• Shrimp curry – Simmer shrimp in an aromatic coconut curry sauce with vegetables for an easy one-pot meal.

• Shrimp soup – Make a hearty seafood bisque or gumbo with shrimp, vegetables, and seasonings.

The options for preparing shrimp are nearly endless! They work well in Asian recipes, Mexican recipes, soups, salads, pasta dishes, and more. Just 6 medium shrimp packs over 8 grams of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to cooking with shrimp, you probably have some questions on selecting and preparing them:

How do I pick good-quality shrimp? Go for plump, firm shrimp with a mild sea breeze aroma. Avoid shrimp with black spots or an ammonia odor. When possible, buy fresh or sustainably caught shrimp.

Should I buy them peeled? Either way works, but peeled and deveined shrimp save prep time. Just cook them right after buying.

How do I thaw frozen shrimp? Thaw overnight in the fridge or submerge the bag in cold water for 30 minutes until thawed and pliable. Don’t thaw at room temp.

When are shrimp fully cooked? Shrimp turn pink/orange and become opaque when cooked through. Undercooked shrimp will be grayish and translucent in the center.

How long does cooked shrimp last? Cooked shrimp stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage.

Maximize Your Protein with Shrimp

Incorporating shrimp into your diet just 2-3 times per week can go a long way in helping you meet daily protein goals. A serving of just 6 medium shrimp contains over 8 grams of complete, lean protein for less than 50 calories.

Shrimp offer many additional nutrients like selenium, iodine, zinc, vitamin D, and antioxidant carotenoids. Their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties provide health benefits beyond their stellar protein content.

Take advantage of the many quick, easy, and delicious ways to enjoy shrimp in salads, tacos, pasta, stir fries, skewers, and more. Keep your protein intake up and reap the health perks by making succulent shrimp a staple in a balanced, nutritious diet.