How Much Protein is in a Pound of Shrimp? A Detailed Look at This Seafood’s Nutrition

Shrimp are a popular type of seafood known for being low in calories and fat yet high in protein. But exactly how much protein is packed into a pound of these tasty crustaceans?

When looking at shrimp nutrition information, the protein content in a pound of shrimp may surprise you Here’s a detailed look at how many grams of protein are found in a pound of shrimp and why this shellfish is an excellent source of this important nutrient

Over 90 Grams of Protein Per Pound of Shrimp

According to the USDA FoodData Central, one pound of shrimp (about 16 to 20 medium shrimp) contains approximately 92 grams of protein.

That amounts to over 90% of the daily value for protein based on a 2000 calorie diet. It supplies nearly twice the minimum daily requirement for protein, making shrimp one of the richest sources of this nutrient among common seafood

To put that protein content into perspective

• A 3 ounce serving of shrimp has about 21 grams of protein, similar to 3 eggs or 3 ounces of chicken breast.

• 100 grams of shrimp (around 5 medium shrimp) contains 20 grams of protein.

• An average medium shrimp provides around 6 grams of protein.

So shrimp packs a huge protein punch, especially when enjoying larger portions like a shrimp salad, pasta dish or stew.

Comparing Shrimp to Other High Protein Seafood

How does shrimp’s protein content compare to other types of seafood?

• Shrimp has slightly less protein than canned tuna, which has about 24 grams in a 3 oz serving.

• It has a bit more protein than cod or salmon, which provide around 17-19 grams per 3 oz serving.

• Shrimp contains a similar amount of protein as lobster and crab, but more than scallops or clams.

While all seafood is high in protein, shrimp is one of the top sources gram for gram. It provides a bigger protein boost than many white fish and even fatty fish like salmon.

The Benefits of Shrimp’s High Quality Protein

What makes the large amount of protein in shrimp so valuable? Here are some of the key benefits:

Muscle Growth and Maintenance

Protein provides the amino acids needed to build and maintain muscle mass. The abundant protein in shrimp can help maximize muscle growth when paired with strength training.

Satiety

The high protein content promotes satiety and fullness, allowing you to feel satisfied with smaller meal portions. Protein takes longer to digest, resulting in an extended feeling of fullness.

Weight Management

Eating high protein foods like shrimp can make it easier to lose or manage weight by reducing overall calorie intake and appetite.

Bone Health

Some of shrimp’s amino acids support bone density and strength, reducing risk of osteoporosis.

Heart Health

Replacing saturated fat with shrimp’s lean, low fat protein may help lower unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels.

Lower Blood Pressure

Some studies link higher protein intakes to reductions in blood pressure. Shrimp’s protein content may help control hypertension.

So shrimp provides all the advantages of high quality, lean protein in a delicious package!

Shrimp Nutrition Beyond Just Protein

In addition to its impressive protein content, shrimp offers several other important nutrients:

• Selenium – shrimp provides over 50% of the RDI for this antioxidant mineral.

• Vitamin B12 – just 3 ounces of shrimp delivers over 100% of the necessary vitamin B12.

• Phosphorus – shrimp is rich in this mineral that supports bone, teeth, and cell repair.

• Zinc – shrimp supplies about a quarter of the RDI for zinc, which boosts immunity.

• Iodine – helps support thyroid function.

Shrimp is also very low in calories, total fat, carbs, and sodium if not breaded or fried. It makes a nutrition powerhouse addition to any diet.

Tips for Buying and Cooking Shrimp

To enjoy shrimp’s amazing protein benefits, keep these preparation tips in mind:

• Opt for wild caught or sustainably farmed shrimp over imported shrimp of uncertain origin.

• Choose raw, shell-on shrimp and peel them yourself to avoid added sodium from processing.

• Cook shrimp lightly using dry heat methods like grilling, broiling, sautéing or baking to preserve nutrients.

• Avoid excessive butter, oils or breading to prevent increasing calories and fat.

• Enjoy shrimp in a variety of recipes like shrimp tacos, shrimp salad, shrimp pasta, or simple garlic shrimp.

• Pair shrimp with vegetables and whole grains to make a complete high protein meal.

Sample High Protein Shrimp Recipes

Here are a few delicious recipe ideas to take advantage of shrimp’s awesome protein power:

Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup light coconut milk
• 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste
• 1 cup sliced bell peppers
• 1⁄4 cup chopped cilantro
• Serve over 1 cup cooked brown rice

This flavorful curry provides about 40 grams of protein in a Thai-inspired one skillet meal. The protein-rich shrimp and rice combo make it extra filling.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Veggie Kabobs

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 small zucchini, sliced 1⁄2 inch thick
• Wooden skewers
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1⁄4 tsp paprika
• Fresh parsley and lemon wedges for serving

These kabobs offer about 30 grams of protein from the shrimp plus antioxidants from the grilled veggies. The Greek yogurt dip adds a cool, tangy finish.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad Wraps

• 1 lb cooked, peeled shrimp, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1⁄3 cup chopped red onion
• 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 whole wheat tortillas
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Romaine lettuce leaves

These flavorful wraps provide around 35 grams of shrimp protein plus healthy fats from the avocado. The whole wheat tortillas add extra fiber too.

Is Shrimp a Healthy Choice Overall?

With its stellar protein content plus great taste and versatility, shrimp is one of the healthiest protein-packed seafood choices. It provides key nutrients and benefits with minimal downsides for most diets.

Just be mindful of how shrimp is prepared to avoid unnecessary calories or sodium. When enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, shrimp’s bountiful protein can be a real asset for any meal plan.

So next time you’re looking for excellent sources of protein, look no further than shrimp. An average pound provides over 90 grams of this muscle-building, satiating nutrient to power you through any day!

Frequency of entities:

shrimp: 59
protein: 41
pound: 17
seafood: 10
meat: 2
poultry: 1
egg: 1
serving: 8
calories: 5
fat: 5
carbs: 2
sodium: 2
fiber: 1
muscle: 4
health: 4
recipe: 3
cook: 3