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Keto shrimp recipes on a rustic table

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.

15 Shrimp IdeasLow-Carb Ingredient ChecksOfficial Food-Safety Guidance

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.

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 withKeep in mind
Fast skillet dinnerGarlic butter, Cajun or spicy garlic butter shrimpCook in a single layer and avoid leaving shrimp in the hot pan after they are done.
Crisp coatingAir fryer coconut shrimp or crispy Parmesan shrimpCheck coating ingredients, cook in batches if needed and begin checking at the shortest listed time.
Creamy comfort foodTuscan shrimp, Alfredo or garlic Parmesan shrimp with zucchini noodlesCream, cheese, tomatoes and zucchini all contribute to the serving’s carbohydrate count.
Soup or one-pan mealThai-inspired coconut shrimp soup, cauliflower fried rice or Cajun shrimp and sausageCoconut milk, curry paste, coconut aminos, sausage, onion and broth vary by product and portion.
Grill or party plateLemon garlic skewers or bacon-wrapped shrimpThaw 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Butter (our favorite)2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced3
Lemon juice1 tbsp
Paprika½ tsp
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Almond flour½ cup
Unsweetened shredded coconut½ cup
Egg1 large
Paprika½ tsp
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix the almond flour, unsweetened coconut, paprika, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
  3. Dip shrimp in beaten egg, then coat with the coconut mixture.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Butter3 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced4
Chicken broth¼ cup
Lemon juice1 tbsp
Zucchini noodles2 cups
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Melt the butter in a skillet and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add shrimp and cook until firm, pearly and opaque; remove to a plate.
  3. Add broth and lemon juice, then simmer briefly to loosen the browned flavour from the pan.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Olive oil (our pantry staple)2 tbsp
Cajun seasoning1 tbsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Lemon juice1 tbsp
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Toss shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer, in batches if needed, turning until firm, pearly and opaque.
  3. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Butter2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced3
Heavy cream1 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated½ cup
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped¼ cup
Frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry2 cups
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Melt butter in a skillet and cook garlic for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add shrimp and cook until just firm and opaque; transfer to a plate.
  3. Add cream, Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir over gentle heat until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Olive oil2 tbsp
Lemon juice2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced3
Paprika1 tsp
SkewersAs needed
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Coat the shrimp and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  2. Thread shrimp onto skewers; discard marinade that touched raw shrimp.
  3. Grill over medium-high heat, turning as needed, until firm, pearly and opaque. Thin shrimp cook quickly, so check early.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Butter2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced3
Heavy cream1 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated½ cup
Zucchini noodles2 cups
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Melt butter in a skillet and cook garlic for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add shrimp and cook until firm, pearly and opaque; remove temporarily.
  3. Add cream and Parmesan, stirring over low heat until a smooth sauce forms. Do not boil hard.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Butter2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced4
Red pepper flakes1 tsp
Lemon juice1 tbsp
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Melt butter in a skillet; add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook briefly until fragrant.
  2. Add shrimp, salt and pepper. Cook, turning as needed, until firm, pearly and opaque.
  3. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Almond flour½ cup
Parmesan cheese, grated½ cup
Egg1 large
Garlic powder1 tsp
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix almond flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  3. Dip shrimp in beaten egg, then coat with the mixture.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Cheddar cheese, shredded1½ cups
Avocado, sliced1
Sour cream¼ cup
Cilantro, chopped2 tbsp
Lime juice1 tbsp
Cumin1 tsp
Chili powder1 tsp
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. 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.
  3. Toss shrimp with lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Coconut milk1 can (14 oz)
Chicken broth2 cups
Neutral or olive oil1 tbsp
Red curry paste1 tbsp
Lime juice1 tbsp
Ginger, grated1 tsp
Garlic cloves, minced3
Mushrooms, sliced1 cup
Cilantro, chopped2 tbsp
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Heat a little oil in a pot and cook garlic and ginger briefly until fragrant.
  2. Stir in curry paste, coconut milk and broth. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add mushrooms and simmer until nearly tender. Add shrimp and cook only until firm, pearly and opaque; timing depends on their size.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Bacon12 slices
Garlic powder1 tsp
Smoked paprika1 tsp
Olive oil1 tbsp
ToothpicksAs needed
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Cauliflower rice2 cups
Eggs, beaten2
Green onions, chopped2
Coconut aminos2 tbsp
Sesame oil1 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced3
Ginger, grated1 tsp
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok. Cook garlic and ginger briefly until fragrant.
  2. Add shrimp and cook until firm, pearly and opaque; transfer to a plate.
  3. Add cauliflower rice and coconut aminos. Stir-fry until the cauliflower is tender and excess moisture has evaporated.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Andouille sausage, sliced12 oz
Bell peppers, sliced2
Onion, sliced1
Cajun seasoning1 tbsp
Olive oil2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced3
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add sausage and cook until browned and heated through.
  3. Add peppers, onion, garlic and Cajun seasoning; cook until the vegetables begin to soften.
  4. 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

IngredientQuantity
Shrimp, peeled and deveined1 lb
Zucchini noodles2 cups
Butter2 tbsp
Garlic cloves, minced3
Parmesan cheese, grated½ cup
Heavy cream½ cup
Salt and black pepperTo taste

Method

  1. Melt butter in a skillet and cook garlic briefly until fragrant.
  2. Add shrimp and cook until firm, pearly and opaque; transfer to a plate.
  3. Add cream and Parmesan, stirring gently over low heat until the sauce begins to thicken.
  4. 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.

Quick answers

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.

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