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Seafood · Low-carb cooking
15 Keto Shrimp Recipes: Easy Low-Carb Dinners
Fifteen shrimp ideas, from garlic butter and scampi to coconut shrimp, tacos, soup and cauliflower fried rice. Practical ingredient notes help you check the carbohydrates in coatings, sauces and packaged seasonings.
What are good keto shrimp recipes?
Plain shrimp are naturally very low in carbohydrates, so they can fit into many low-carb meals. Try a garlic-butter or Cajun skillet for speed, almond-flour coconut shrimp for crunch, or zucchini noodles and cauliflower rice in place of pasta and rice. The carbohydrate total depends on added ingredients: check coconut, curry paste, broth, sausage, coconut aminos, seasoning blends and dipping sauces against their actual labels.
Quick takeaways
- For a quick dinner: garlic butter shrimp, spicy Cajun shrimp or spicy garlic-butter shrimp need only a skillet.
- For crunch: use almond flour and unsweetened coconut or Parmesan, then cook in a single layer in the air fryer.
- For a noodle or rice-style meal: try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice and count the vegetables and sauce.
- For safety: the FDA advises cooking most seafood to 145°F (63°C); shrimp should be firm, pearly and opaque.
- For accurate carbs: the brands of coconut milk, curry paste, coconut aminos, stock, sausage and seasoning make a difference.
In this guide
Choose a shrimp recipe by cooking style
This collection keeps shrimp at the centre and changes the cooking method or sauce. Plain shrimp are low in carbohydrates, but a recipe is not automatically low-carb just because it contains shrimp: coatings, curry paste, stock, sausage and prepared sauces can add carbohydrate. Use the ingredient notes below as prompts to check actual labels, not as a guarantee of a fixed net-carb number.
| What sounds good? | Start with | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Fast skillet dinner | Garlic butter, Cajun or spicy garlic butter shrimp | Cook in a single layer and avoid leaving shrimp in the hot pan after they are done. |
| Crisp coating | Air fryer coconut shrimp or crispy Parmesan shrimp | Check coating ingredients, cook in batches if needed and begin checking at the shortest listed time. |
| Creamy comfort food | Tuscan shrimp, Alfredo or garlic Parmesan shrimp with zucchini noodles | Cream, cheese, tomatoes and zucchini all contribute to the serving’s carbohydrate count. |
| Soup or one-pan meal | Thai-inspired coconut shrimp soup, cauliflower fried rice or Cajun shrimp and sausage | Coconut milk, curry paste, coconut aminos, sausage, onion and broth vary by product and portion. |
| Grill or party plate | Lemon garlic skewers or bacon-wrapped shrimp | Thaw safely, check the shrimp for doneness and do not rely on bacon colour alone to judge the shrimp. |
15 keto shrimp recipes
Each of these 15 keto shrimp recipes is a snapshot of our family’s journey across 50+ countries, tested and approved by our chief taste-tester, Victor. From Gulf Coast to Thai-inspired dishes, the collection brings varied ideas to a low-carb table. The listed preparation and cooking times are guides: shrimp size, appliance performance and pan crowding change the actual time, so cook to safe doneness rather than relying on the clock alone.
Nutrition transparency: Exact per-serving calorie, fat, protein, sodium and net-carb figures are not printed here because the supplied figures did not include a reproducible calculation or brand-specific inputs. For strict carb tracking, calculate from the products you use and the number of servings you actually divide the recipe into. Package labels matter especially for coconut milk, coconut aminos, curry paste, sausage, broth, seasonings and dips.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Buttery, garlicky comfort from Gulf Coast hauls (2010–2014), loved by Natalia.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Butter (our favorite) | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, paprika, salt and pepper. Cook, turning as needed, until the shrimp are firm, pearly and opaque; size and pan heat determine the time.
- Finish with lemon juice and serve promptly.
Prep: 5 minutes · Cook: 8 minutes · Total: 13 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: The shrimp, garlic, lemon and paprika all contribute to the total; calculate from the amounts used and your own serving size.
Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
Crispy, tropical-inspired shrimp from our Vietnam hub (2022–present).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Almond flour | ½ cup |
| Unsweetened shredded coconut | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the almond flour, unsweetened coconut, paprika, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
- Dip shrimp in beaten egg, then coat with the coconut mixture.
- Arrange in a single layer and air-fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway. Start checking early because appliances and shrimp sizes vary; cook until firm, pearly and opaque. Serve with a low-carb dip whose label you have checked.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 10 minutes · Total: 20 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Use unsweetened coconut and check both the coconut and almond-flour labels. Sweetened coconut or a sugary dip can change the carbohydrate total.
Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Garlicky scampi with zoodles, inspired by Italian coastal eats (2014–2019).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Chicken broth | ¼ cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Zucchini noodles | 2 cups |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Melt the butter in a skillet and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook until firm, pearly and opaque; remove to a plate.
- Add broth and lemon juice, then simmer briefly to loosen the browned flavour from the pan.
- Add zucchini noodles and cook just until tender-crisp. Return shrimp to the pan and serve.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 10 minutes · Total: 20 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Choose broth without added sugar or starch where possible. Zucchini contributes carbohydrates too, so include it in your serving calculation.
Spicy Cajun Shrimp
Fiery Cajun dish from Louisiana influences (2010–2014).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Olive oil (our pantry staple) | 2 tbsp |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer, in batches if needed, turning until firm, pearly and opaque.
- Finish with lemon juice and serve.
Prep: 5 minutes · Cook: 8 minutes · Total: 13 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Check the Cajun seasoning label for added sugar, flour or starch. Salt to taste also affects sodium, which is not a fixed value for this recipe.
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp
Rich, creamy dish with sun-dried tomatoes, inspired by 2014–2019 European travels.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped | ¼ cup |
| Frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry | 2 cups |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Melt butter in a skillet and cook garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook until just firm and opaque; transfer to a plate.
- Add cream, Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir over gentle heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in spinach and return shrimp to the pan just long enough to heat through.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 15 minutes · Total: 25 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Sun-dried tomatoes and cream can contribute more carbohydrates than plain shrimp. Check whether the tomatoes contain added sugar and calculate using the product label.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers
Zesty skewers from coastal Thailand (2016–2018).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Skewers | As needed |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Coat the shrimp and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Thread shrimp onto skewers; discard marinade that touched raw shrimp.
- Grill over medium-high heat, turning as needed, until firm, pearly and opaque. Thin shrimp cook quickly, so check early.
- Serve with a low-carb salad or vegetables, counting any dressing or dipping sauce.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 6 minutes · Total: 31 minutes, including 15 minutes of marinating · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Include the lemon and garlic marinade in the calculation. Do not reuse raw-shrimp marinade as a serving sauce unless it has been thoroughly cooked.
Keto Shrimp Alfredo with Zucchini Noodles
Creamy indulgence with zoodles, inspired by Natalia’s Siberian sauces (2013–2016).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Zucchini noodles | 2 cups |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Melt butter in a skillet and cook garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook until firm, pearly and opaque; remove temporarily.
- Add cream and Parmesan, stirring over low heat until a smooth sauce forms. Do not boil hard.
- Add zucchini noodles and return the shrimp to the pan; heat just until the noodles are tender-crisp.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 10 minutes · Total: 20 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Cream, Parmesan and zucchini all contribute carbohydrates. Count the portion and check labels rather than treating the sauce as carb-free.
Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp
Fiery Gulf Coast twist (2010–2014), a Victor favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Red pepper flakes | 1 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Melt butter in a skillet; add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook, turning as needed, until firm, pearly and opaque.
- Finish with lemon juice and serve straight away.
Prep: 5 minutes · Cook: 8 minutes · Total: 13 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: The simple ingredient list makes this easier to calculate, but garlic and lemon still count toward the total.
Crispy Parmesan Shrimp
Crunchy, cheesy air-fried delight from Vietnam (2022–present).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Almond flour | ½ cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Preheat the 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 mixture.
- Arrange in a single layer and air-fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway. Begin checking early and cook until the shrimp are firm, pearly and opaque.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 10 minutes · Total: 20 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Check almond flour and Parmesan labels, and include any ranch or dipping sauce in your carbohydrate count.
Keto Shrimp Tacos with Cheese Shells
Crispy cheese-shell tacos, a hit in Vietnam (2022–present).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1½ cups |
| Avocado, sliced | 1 |
| Sour cream | ¼ cup |
| Cilantro, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Place small piles of cheddar on the sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 5–7 minutes until melted and the edges begin to turn golden. Let cool briefly, then drape over a spoon or rack to form shells.
- Toss shrimp with lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.
- Sauté shrimp until firm, pearly and opaque. Fill the cheese shells with shrimp, avocado, sour cream and cilantro; serve promptly.
Prep: 15 minutes · Cook: 15 minutes · Total: 30 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Cheese shells do not make the whole taco carbohydrate-free: count avocado, sour cream, seasonings and any sauces in the portions you serve.
Thai-Inspired Coconut Shrimp Soup
Creamy, spicy soup from Thailand (2016–2018).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Coconut milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Neutral or olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Red curry paste | 1 tbsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Ginger, grated | 1 tsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 1 cup |
| Cilantro, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Heat a little oil in a pot and cook garlic and ginger briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in curry paste, coconut milk and broth. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and simmer until nearly tender. Add shrimp and cook only until firm, pearly and opaque; timing depends on their size.
- Finish with lime juice and cilantro. Taste before adding salt because broth and curry paste can already be salty.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 15 minutes · Total: 25 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Coconut milk, red curry paste and broth vary by brand. Check labels for sugar and calculate the broth portion you consume.
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Smoky, juicy party hit from the Gulf Coast (2010–2014).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Bacon | 12 slices |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Toothpicks | As needed |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Season shrimp with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Wrap each shrimp in bacon and secure with a toothpick. Use thin-sliced bacon; if needed, partially cook it first so it can brown before the shrimp overcook.
- Bake for about 10–15 minutes, turning if needed. Check both parts: shrimp should be firm, pearly and opaque, and bacon should be cooked. If the shrimp finish first, remove them and finish bacon separately.
Prep: 15 minutes · Cook: 15 minutes · Total: 30 minutes, depending on bacon thickness · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Bacon brands vary, especially products cured with sugar. Check the label and remember that added salt changes sodium totals.
Shrimp and Cauliflower Fried Rice
Asian-inspired keto dish from Thailand (2016–2018).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Cauliflower rice | 2 cups |
| Eggs, beaten | 2 |
| Green onions, chopped | 2 |
| Coconut aminos | 2 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Ginger, grated | 1 tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Cook garlic and ginger briefly until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until firm, pearly and opaque; transfer to a plate.
- Add cauliflower rice and coconut aminos. Stir-fry until the cauliflower is tender and excess moisture has evaporated.
- Scramble the eggs in the pan, then return shrimp and add green onions. Toss together and serve.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 10 minutes · Total: 20 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Coconut aminos can contain more carbohydrate than some soy-sauce alternatives. Use your product label and account for the full two-tablespoon amount.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
Spicy, hearty one-pan dish from Louisiana (2010–2014).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Andouille sausage, sliced | 12 oz |
| Bell peppers, sliced | 2 |
| Onion, sliced | 1 |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sausage and cook until browned and heated through.
- Add peppers, onion, garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add shrimp and cook, stirring, until firm, pearly and opaque. Check sausage and seasoning saltiness before adding more salt.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 10 minutes · Total: 20 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Onion, bell peppers, sausage and seasoning all contribute carbohydrates. Check sausage and seasoning labels; portions matter more here than in the simple garlic-shrimp recipes.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Cheesy, light dish from the Gulf Coast (2010–2014).
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb |
| Zucchini noodles | 2 cups |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
Method
- Melt butter in a skillet and cook garlic briefly until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until firm, pearly and opaque; transfer to a plate.
- Add cream and Parmesan, stirring gently over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add zucchini noodles and return shrimp to the pan. Toss briefly until the noodles are tender-crisp, then serve.
Prep: 10 minutes · Cook: 10 minutes · Total: 20 minutes · Yield: 4 servings
Carb check: Zucchini, cream and Parmesan all contribute carbohydrates. If using a thickener or extra sauce, include it in your calculation.
Kitchen guide: safe thawing, good texture and carb checks
Thaw frozen shrimp safely
For the easiest option, thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw them faster, place the shrimp in a sealed, leak-proof bag and immerse it in cold water; cook immediately after this quicker thaw. Do not leave seafood on the counter to thaw. See the FDA seafood-safety guide and USDA safe food-handling guidance.
Dry shrimp before searing
After thawing, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. If the pan is crowded, cook in batches: excess moisture can make the shrimp steam instead of browning.
Use temperature and texture, not time alone
The FDA says most seafood should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Without a thermometer, the FDA’s guidance for shrimp is firm, pearly and opaque flesh. Shrimp are lean and can turn rubbery if left cooking after they are done; times in these recipes are only starting points.
Check the ingredients that may change the carb count
- Coatings: use almond flour and unsweetened coconut; avoid sweetened coconut or wheat breadcrumbs if you are keeping the meal low-carb.
- Prepared sauces and seasonings: check curry paste, Cajun seasoning, dips and marinades for added sugar or starch.
- Packaged proteins and liquids: compare sausage, broth, coconut milk and coconut aminos labels before calculating the meal.
- Serving size: divide the total recipe nutrition by the actual servings, not by an assumed yield, and include vegetables, garnishes and sauce.
A ketogenic diet is restrictive and does not suit everyone. Harvard’s Nutrition Source notes that excluding food groups can make adequate nutrient intake harder; people following a medically prescribed or restrictive diet may benefit from advice from a qualified health professional.
Tools that can help
These are the equipment links already present in the supplied page. The links are preserved, but their current destination and product association should be checked in the site’s affiliate account before publication.
| Task | Linked item | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Skillet searing | Lodge 12-inch cast-iron skillet | A heavy skillet retains heat; leave space between shrimp and cook in batches if required. |
| Air frying | Ninja air fryer | Arrange coated shrimp in one layer and check early because basket size and airflow vary. |
More shrimp and low-carb cooking ideas
Move to a closely related guide when you want a different cooking method, a complete meal or more seafood inspiration.
- More shrimp meals: shrimp pasta recipes and chicken and shrimp recipes.
- Low-carb cooking methods: keto air-fryer recipes and keto crockpot recipes.
- Build a meal: complete meal courses, the recipe index and the ingredients hub.
- Seafood preparation: how long prawns last in the refrigerator and seafood soup recipes.
Explore more of Mangoes & Palm Trees
The broader archive also includes family food stories, recipe videos and travel writing.
Keto shrimp recipe FAQs
Is shrimp keto-friendly?
Plain shrimp are naturally very low in carbohydrates, so they can fit into many low-carb or ketogenic meal plans. Breading, sweetened coconut, sauces, curry paste, broth, seasoning blends and sides can add carbohydrates, so check the labels and calculate the serving you actually eat.
How do I keep shrimp from getting rubbery on keto?
Cook just until opaque and 145°F. Remove from heat immediately. Shrimp continue cooking from residual pan heat if left sitting. The FDA describes cooked shrimp as firm, pearly and opaque; 145°F (63°C) is the general internal-temperature guidance for most seafood, and timing varies with shrimp size and cooking method.
Can I use frozen shrimp for these recipes?
Yes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Pat completely dry before searing or air frying. For a quicker cold-water thaw, place the shrimp in a sealed, leak-proof bag and cook immediately after thawing.
Which ingredients should I check for hidden carbohydrates?
Check the labels on unsweetened coconut, almond flour, coconut milk, curry paste, coconut aminos, stock, sausage, Cajun seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes and prepared dipping sauces. Brands and formulations vary, so use the package in your kitchen rather than relying on a generic carb figure.
Can I adapt these shrimp recipes for dairy-free meals?
Several recipes can be adapted by replacing butter with olive oil and omitting or replacing cream, Parmesan, cheddar and sour cream with suitable dairy-free alternatives. Check the replacement products for added sugars or starches, and expect the flavour and texture to change.







