Quick, flavorful, and perfect for your low-carb lifestyle!
Quick, flavorful, and keto-friendly! These 15 best keto shrimp recipes are ideal for low-carb meals. They offer high protein. They’re easy to cook and bursting with flavor. From garlic butter shrimp to crispy air-fried coconut shrimp, these dishes make keto eating simple and exciting!
Introduction: Why You’re Here
You’re here because you want quick, easy, and delicious keto shrimp recipes. These recipes fit perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. Shrimp is an ideal protein for the ketogenic diet. It’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein. It is incredibly versatile for everything from creamy shrimp dishes to crispy air-fried recipes and spicy stir-fries.
This article isn’t just a list of shrimp recipes—it’s your ultimate keto shrimp guide. This collection of 15 keto shrimp recipes helps you stay on track with your diet. It keeps your meals exciting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for meal prep ideas, easy weeknight dinners, or impressive dishes to serve.
Why Shrimp is Perfect for the Keto Diet
Before diving into the recipes, let’s break down why shrimp is a keto powerhouse and why it should be a staple in your meal plan:
- High in protein, low in carbs – Shrimp contains almost zero carbs. It is packed with lean protein. This makes it one of the best options for a high-protein keto meal.
- Quick and easy to cook. Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes. This makes it a perfect ingredient for fast keto meals.
- Absorbs flavors well – Shrimp soaks up seasonings beautifully. Whether marinated, sautéed, grilled, or air-fried, it is easy to create flavorful dishes.
- Versatile for different dishes – Shrimp is perfect in creamy keto pasta alternatives. It is also great in spicy stir-fries, rich butter-based sauces, and crispy appetizers. This gives you plenty of variety.
If you love simple, one-pot keto meals, check out these best keto crockpot recipes for even more easy ideas!
Essential Tips for Cooking Keto Shrimp Recipes
- Use high-quality shrimp – Opt for wild-caught shrimp instead of farm-raised for better flavor and nutrition.
- Watch out for hidden carbs – Many store-bought sauces contain added sugars. Use keto-friendly seasonings and homemade sauces instead.
- Add healthy fats – Cooking shrimp with butter, avocado oil, coconut milk, or heavy cream makes the dish more keto-friendly.
- Avoid overcooking – Shrimp cooks quickly—overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so watch your cook time carefully.
- Try various cooking methods. Air-fry, grill, sauté, or bake shrimp. This will keep your meals exciting and full of variety.
For more low-carb, high-protein meal ideas, explore these best low-carb crockpot recipes.
The 15 Best Keto Shrimp Recipes
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Why Make This Recipe? Quick, buttery, and bursting with garlic flavor—perfect for an easy keto dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 3 (minced) |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Looking for more easy-to-make seafood ideas? check out these irresistible shrimp recipes.
2. Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Why Make This Recipe? A crispy, golden, low-carb choice to traditional coconut shrimp.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Almond flour | 1/2 cup |
| Unsweetened shredded coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix almond flour, shredded coconut, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip shrimp into beaten egg, then coat with the almond flour mixture.
- Place in the air fryer basket and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For more crispy keto meals, try these best keto air fryer recipes.
3. Keto Shrimp Scampi
- Why Make This Recipe? Classic scampi flavor with a rich garlic butter sauce served over zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 4 (minced) |
| White wine (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Zucchini noodles | 2 cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Stir in white wine (if using) and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve over zucchini noodles.
Learn more about the benefits of zucchini for keto-friendly meals.
4. Spicy Cajun Shrimp
- Why Make This Recipe? Packed with bold Cajun spices and sautéed to perfection.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
Drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side.
5. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
- Why Make This Recipe? A rich and creamy shrimp dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, perfect for a keto dinner.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 3 (minced) |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 1/4 cup |
| Spinach | 2 cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp.
- Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add spinach and let it wilt, then return shrimp to the skillet and mix well.
For more creamy low-carb ideas, check out these best keto crockpot recipes.
Learn more about the health benefits of spinach and why it’s a great keto ingredient.
6. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
- Why Make This Recipe? Zesty shrimp skewers grilled to perfection with a tangy garlic lemon marinade.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 3 (minced) |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Skewers | As needed |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add shrimp and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
For more grilling inspiration, try these best low-carb crockpot recipes.
7. Keto Shrimp Alfredo
- Why Make This Recipe? A rich, cheesy shrimp Alfredo sauce served over zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 3 (minced) |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Zucchini noodles | 2 cups |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a skillet and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until thickened.
- Add zucchini noodles and shrimp, tossing to coat.
Learn more about the benefits of zucchini noodles and why they’re great for keto.
8. Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Why Make This Recipe? A fiery shrimp dish packed with bold garlic and chili flavors, ready in minutes.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 4 (minced) |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Toss in shrimp, cooking for 2 minutes per side.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and serve at once.
9. Crispy Parmesan Shrimp
- Why Make This Recipe? Shrimp coated in a Parmesan crust and air-fried for a crispy, crunchy bite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Almond flour | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix almond flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip shrimp in beaten egg, then coat with the almond flour mixture.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For more crispy air-fried meals, explore these best keto air fryer recipes.
10. Keto Shrimp Tacos with Cheese Shells
- Why Make This Recipe? A keto-friendly twist on tacos, using crispy cheese shells instead of tortillas.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 ½ cups |
| Avocado | 1 (sliced) |
| Sour cream | ¼ cup |
| Cilantro | 2 tbsp (chopped) |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place ¼ cup portions of cheddar cheese on the sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until bubbly. Remove and shape into taco shells over a wooden spoon handle.
- Toss shrimp with lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté shrimp for 2 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Fill cheese taco shells with shrimp, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.
Learn more about the benefits of avocados and why they’re an essential low-carb superfood.
11. Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup
- Why Make This Recipe? A comforting, rich, and creamy Thai-inspired shrimp soup with a keto twist.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Coconut milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Red curry paste | 1 tbsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Ginger | 1 tsp (grated) |
| Garlic cloves | 3 (minced) |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup (sliced) |
| Cilantro | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Heat a pot over medium heat and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Stir in red curry paste, then add coconut milk and chicken broth.
- Bring to a simmer, then add shrimp and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice and cilantro before serving.
For more comforting keto soups, check out these best low-carb crockpot recipes.
12. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
- Why Make This Recipe? Smoky, crispy bacon wrapped around juicy shrimp—perfect for an appetizer or keto snack.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Bacon | 12 slices |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Toothpicks | As needed |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each shrimp in a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
13. Shrimp and Cauliflower Fried Rice
- Why Make This Recipe? A low-carb take on classic shrimp fried rice using cauliflower instead of rice.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Cauliflower rice | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 2 (beaten) |
| Green onions | 2 (chopped) |
| Soy sauce (or coconut aminos) | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 3 (minced) |
| Ginger | 1 tsp (grated) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side, then remove.
- Stir in cauliflower rice and soy sauce, cooking for 3 minutes.
- Push rice to one side, add eggs, and scramble.
- Return shrimp to the pan, mix well, and top with green onions.
For more meal-prep ideas, check out these best keto chicken breast recipes.
14. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
- Why Make This Recipe? A one-pan keto meal loaded with spicy shrimp, sausage, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Andouille sausage | 12 oz (sliced) |
| Bell peppers | 2 (sliced) |
| Onion | 1 (sliced) |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 3 (minced) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in bell peppers, onion, garlic, and Cajun seasoning.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until fully cooked.
15. Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with Zoodles
- Why Make This Recipe? A rich, cheesy shrimp dish served over zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly pasta alternative.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (peeled, deveined) | 1 lb |
| Zucchini noodles | 2 cups |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves | 3 (minced) |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp.
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until thickened.
- Add zucchini noodles and shrimp, tossing to coat.
Final Thoughts
These 15 keto shrimp recipes are perfect for keeping your low-carb diet exciting while providing quick, high-protein meals. From creamy dishes to crispy air-fried shrimp, these recipes offer plenty of variety without breaking your carb limit.
Want more chicken and seafood meal inspiration? Explore these best chicken and shrimp recipes.
How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge?
To keep your keto shrimp recipes fresh, you need to know how long shrimp lasts in the fridge. This knowledge ensures the shrimp is safe to eat. Properly stored cooked shrimp can stay fresh for up to three days. Raw shrimp should be used within one to two days. Storing shrimp in an airtight container and keeping it at the right temperature helps maintain its freshness.
For a full guide on storing shrimp safely, check out how long shrimp lasts in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is shrimp keto-friendly?
Yes! Shrimp is naturally low in carbs. It is also high in protein. This makes it one of the best seafood options for a ketogenic diet. It’s versatile, quick to cook, and pairs well with healthy fats like butter, olive oil, and avocado.
2. What’s the best way to cook shrimp for keto?
Shrimp can be grilled, sautéed, baked, or air-fried, depending on your preference. Use keto-friendly seasonings to keep flavors bold. Add healthy fats like butter or coconut milk to make the dish rich and satisfying. This helps keep carbs low.
3. Can I meal prep keto shrimp recipes?
Yes! Most shrimp dishes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking. Some shrimp recipes, like soups and curries, freeze well for longer storage.
4. What sides pair well with keto shrimp recipes?
For a balanced keto meal, pair shrimp with:
- Zucchini noodles
- Cauliflower rice
- Roasted low-carb vegetables
- Avocado or guacamole
- Keto-friendly coleslaw
5. Are these shrimp recipes gluten-free?
Yes! Every recipe in this list is 100% gluten-free. They use low-carb flour (like almond flour) and keto seasonings. The recipes include fresh whole ingredients without wheat-based products.
