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Is shrimp good for weight loss? Yes, it can be! However, remember that maintaining a calorie deficit is crucial for losing weight, regardless of what you eat. Shrimp and prawns are particularly beneficial because they are low in fat and calories, making it difficult to overeat them. Moreover, meals rich in lean protein, such as shrimp, can help you feel fuller on fewer calories. Just keep in mind that shrimp is highly perishable, so dishes made with it are best consumed within 1-2 days when stored in the fridge. -Summer Yule, MS, RDN
Frozen Cocktail Shrimp
Cooking frozen jumbo shrimp in an air fryer is incredibly convenient and results in perfectly cooked shrimp every time. Simply season the shrimp, place them in the air fryer, and enjoy a quick, healthy snack in minutes.
Get the recipe: Frozen Jumbo Shrimp in Air Fryer
Teriyaki Shrimp
Air fryer teriyaki shrimp combines the savory sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the convenience of air frying. This recipe delivers a delicious, quick-cooking dish that pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Teriyaki Shrimp
Shrimp Stir Fry
This Instant Pot stir fry is a versatile recipe that can be made with shrimp, chicken, beef, or tofu, catering to different dietary preferences. It’s a quick and easy way to prepare a flavorful, nutritious meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Stir Fry
Dynamite Shrimp
Recreate the famous PF Chang’s Dynamite Shrimp at home with this copycat recipe. It features crispy shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy sauce, perfect served over shredded cabbage for a lower calorie meal that’s also indulgent.
Get the recipe: PF Chang Dynamite Shrimp Copycat
Coconut Shrimp
Keto coconut shrimp offers a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional fried shrimp. Coated in shredded coconut and almond flour, these shrimp are air-fried to golden perfection.
Get the recipe: Keto Coconut Shrimp
Seafood Boil
Seafood boil in a bag is a fun and easy way to enjoy a variety of seafood, including shrimp, crab, and mussels. Seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked in the oven, this dish is perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Get the recipe: Seafood Boil in Bag Recipe
MyPlate Meals
MyPlate meals featuring shrimp provide a balanced and nutritious option that follows dietary guidelines. These meals include a variety of vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, making them a healthy choice for almost any diet.
Get the recipe: MyPlate Meals Examples
Shrimp Fajita Bowls
Shrimp fajita bowls are a vibrant and flavorful meal, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Loaded with seasoned shrimp, sautéed peppers, onions, and served over rice or greens, they offer a satisfying and nutritious option.
Watch How to Make It!
Healthy Shrimp Meal Prep Ideas for Weight Loss
Ingredients
- 1 lb. raw tail-on peeled shrimp, thawed (454 grams medium shrimp)
- 1 cup brown rice, dry
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 4 medium bell peppers (one of each color: red, orange, yellow, green)
- 1 large onion
- 1 medium jalapeno
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium avocado
- 1 medium lime, juiced
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the brown rice according to the directions on the package. While the rice cooks, prepare the rest of the meal.
- Slice the bell peppers and onion. Chop the jalapeno (discard the seeds if you don’t like spicy heat).
- Chop the avocado and sprinkle it with lime juice to prevent browning.
- Mix the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper together.
- Heat the oil in a skillet or pan. Add the shrimp and spice mixture.
- Cook over medium heat until the shrimp are cooked through, stirring often. This will take 5-10 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan.
- Add the bell peppers, onion, and jalapeno to the pan you cooked the shrimp in. Add ¼ cup water to the pan (if it is dry) to help steam the veggies and to pick up some of the seasonings. Stir often until cooked (takes about 10 minutes).
- When the peppers and onions have finished cooking, stir the shrimp in to fully distribute the seasonings.
- Distribute the rice and the shrimp mixture evenly between four food containers. Keep the avocado and sour cream separate until serving time.
- Put the lids on the containers and refrigerate. Meal prep complete!
Equipment
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). As mentioned above, you can make this a low-carb entrée by swapping out the brown rice for cauliflower rice. This will make the meal lower in calories as well. Using non-fat plain Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream is another way to bring the calories down. Fajitas are typically served with tortillas. Consider this option if you need a meal to meet higher energy needs. Nutrition information is for one serving of the recipe, including the avocado and sour cream.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂