4 Healthy and Easy Shrimp Recipes for Weight Loss
Hey everyone! Today, I’m excited to share four of my best shrimp recipes that are perfect for healthier eating and weight loss. Not only are these recipes healthy and easy to prepare, but they’re also incredibly delicious. If you’re a shrimp lover like me, you won’t want to miss out on these. They’re ideal for quick weeknight dinners, speedy lunches, or even meal prep for the week.
Why Shrimp is a Great Choice for Weight Loss
Before we jump into the recipes, let's talk about why shrimp is such a fantastic choice when you’re looking to shed a few pounds. This low-calorie shrimp recipe is not only, of course, low in calories, but also high in protein, making it perfect for weight loss. It’s also a great source of essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Plus, shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of flavors and ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh or rich and savory, these shrimp recipes are an excellent choice. Now, let’s get to the recipes!
1. Low-Calorie Spring Rolls with High-Protein Peanut Sauce
These spring rolls are a light and healthy dish, perfect for a quick lunch or snack. They’re also a great way to get in some extra veggies, and the creamy peanut sauce adds a nutty flavor without a lot of extra calories.
Ingredients:
26 cooked shrimp (100g)
4 rice paper sheets
2 Persian cucumbers, sliced thin
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup shredded carrot
Romaine lettuce leaves
Sauce:
6 tablespoons PB2 powder (3 servings)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
Grated ginger (optional)
Instructions:
If shrimp isn't pre-cooked, cook shrimp using your preferred method.
Prepare the spring roll ingredients.
Wet each rice paper sheet and place it on a flat, clean surface.
Place a romaine leaf face-up directly in the middle of each wrap.
Fill with cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and shrimp. Optionally, add avocado!
Top with another romaine leaf to hold everything in place.Roll the rice paper like a burrito—fold in the ends. Cut the roll in half.
In a small bowl, mix PB2 and water, add the soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger.
Dip each half in the dressing and enjoy!
Calories per half with sauce: 60 calories | 5g protein | 9g carbs | 1g fat
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Shrimp?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other favorite proteins like grilled chicken or tofu if you prefer. However, the tender shrimp in this recipe pairs exceptionally well with the vegetables and peanut sauce.
How Do I Prepare the Shrimp for This Recipe?
For this simple recipe, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. If your shrimp isn't pre-cooked, you can quickly sauté the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on medium-high heat in a large skillet with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil until they are tender and pink. This will give you plump shrimp that are perfect for the rolls.
2. 180-Calorie Kelp Noodle Salad with 25g Protein
This salad is not only incredibly low in calories, but also packs a whopping 25 grams of protein per serving, making it a fantastic option for a light lunch or a side dish. The kelp noodles are a unique twist and provide a satisfying crunch without the carbs of traditional noodles.
Salad Ingredients:
1/2 bag kelp noodles
1/2 bag roasted seaweed crisps (teriyaki flavor)
4 oz shrimp (or tofu as an alternative)
Furikake seasoning or Everything But The Bagel seasoning
A pinch of chopped green onion
Dressing:
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
2 teaspoons agave or sugar-free syrup
1/2 teaspoon chili crunch (drained oil)
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
Directions:
Split the kelp noodle bag in half and chop half the noodles into bite-sized pieces.
Using half of the seaweed crisps, wet them in a bowl to make them pliable.
Toss the kelp noodles, shrimp, green onion, and softened seaweed together.
Mix the dressing ingredients and pour over the salad.
Top with the remaining half bag of crispy seaweed flakes and sprinkle with furikake seasoning.
What Are Some Optional Add-Ins for This Salad?
For a slightly different texture and flavor, consider including zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or even snap peas. These vegetables provide a nice crunch and complement the savory flavors of the salad.
3. 150-Calorie Sushi Wrap with 20g Protein
These sushi wraps are a quick, nutritious option that’s perfect for a light lunch or a snack. The marinated shrimp adds a rich flavor, while the spicy mayo sauce brings a little kick to the meal. They’re fun to make and sure to become one of your favorite healthy dishes!
Ingredients:
1 nori seaweed sheet
5 large cooked shrimp
1/2 Persian cucumber, sliced thin
1 tablespoon sushi ginger
Sauce:
1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Furikake seasoning
Directions:
Cook shrimp if they are not cooked already.
Make the spicy mayo sauce by mixing sriracha, mayo, furikake seasoning, and soy sauce.
Lay a nori sheet on a flat surface and slice a slit from the center of the sheet to the edge (like a clock hand).
Smear the spicy mayo on the bottom left portion of the nori sheet, to the left of the slit.
Chop cooked shrimp and place it directly above the sauce, in the top left quadrant.
Chop cucumbers and lay them out gently in the top right quadrant of the nori sheet.
Add ginger to the bottom right quadrant, the last quadrant, and to the right of the slit.
Fold from the bottom left quadrant up, then right, then down to form a layered square.
Enjoy!
Can You Really Make Sushi in 10 Minutes?
Yes, you can! This sushi wrap is a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of sushi without the hassle. Using precooked shrimp cuts down on prep time and makes this recipe perfect for those busy days when you need a healthy meal fast. Of course, you can use fresh shrimp as well if preferred!
Can I Use Fresh Shrimp Instead of Pre-Cooked?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp will add an even richer flavor. Simply cook them the night before, or sauté them on the spot with a dash of lemon juice or lime juice for a zesty touch. This will make the wrap even more flavorful and enjoyable.
4. High-Protein Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos via Trader Joe’s
These tacos are a great option for a light, healthy, easy dinner or lunch. The jicama wraps add a nice crunch and are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional tortillas. The creamy cilantro lime sauce gives the tacos a fresh, tangy flavor that compliments the shrimp perfectly. Plus, they store well as leftovers! Just pop them into an airtight container and they're good to eat the next day!
Ingredients:
9 large shrimp
Small tortillas: TJ's Jicama Wraps or Carb Savvy Tortillas / Mission Tortillas
1 cup shredded cabbage slaw
1/2 cup Trader Joe's Cilantro Salad Dressing or Primal Kitchen Cilantro Lime Dressing OR Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado Dressing
1/2 lime
Slaw Sauce:
3 tablespoons taco sauce
1 tablespoon 0% fat Greek yogurt
Directions:
If cooking shrimp, cook in a pan with paprika and a spray of avocado oil.
Place shredded cabbage in a bowl. Mix 3 tablespoons of taco sauce with 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt. Stir until cabbage is coated.
Lay 3 tortillas out flat and place mixed cabbage in the center of each.
Place 3 large shrimp on each taco & drizzle cilantro dressing on top.
Squeeze lime on tacos, garnish with fresh cilantro (optional) and enjoy!
What Makes These Tacos Perfect for a Weight Loss Diet?
These juicy shrimp tacos are not only incredibly flavorful, but also packed with protein and low in calories and carbs. Using Trader Joe’s products makes this recipe super convenient, and the combination of cilantro and lime gives these tacos a fresh, zesty flavor. Additionally, the use of jicama wraps instead of traditional tortillas significantly reduces the calorie and carb content, making them an excellent choice for weight loss. Jicama is low in calories and high in fiber, which helps promote fullness and aids in digestion, supporting overall weight management. This recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner!
Can I Use Other Tortillas Instead of Jicama Wraps?
Yes, you can use other low-carb options like Carb Savvy Tortillas or even traditional corn tortillas. Jicama wraps are a great low-carb alternative, but any tortilla that fits your dietary needs will work well.
What Sides Go Well with These Tacos?
These low-carb tacos pair well with sides like cauliflower rice or a simple shrimp stir-fry. You can also serve them with a side of quick brown rice or sweet potato for a more filling meal.
Nutritional Information per Taco: Calories: 255 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 9g (Total for 3 tacos)
Incorporating these delicious shrimp recipes into your diet is a great way to support your weight loss goals. Each recipe is packed with flavor, high in protein, and low in calories, making them perfect for a variety of meals throughout the week—from quick snacks to satisfying dinners. With their simple ingredients and creative twists, these recipes not only ensure you eat well but also stay on track with your health goals with my healthy shrimp recipes. So, whether you're planning your next meal or looking for inspiration, give these a try and see just how easy it is to enjoy nutritious, satisfying meals.
If you try any of these recipes or have your own favorite shrimp dishes, I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.
Did you make the recipe? What did you think?! Tell me in the comments below!
To your health and happiness, & protein intake,
x, Ashley
Hey, I’m Ashley Grace
aka: the protein snack queen
I’m an evidence-based Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach who specializes in helping my clients lose body fat and build muscle using convenient, approachable, and sustainable methods.
