How many calories are in 2 shrimp tacos? The surprising truth.

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that the calorie count for two shrimp tacos can range dramatically, from as low as 240 calories to over 600, depending on preparation? Understanding how many calories are in 2 shrimp tacos starts with looking at the individual components and how they are cooked.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of two shrimp tacos is highly variable, largely influenced by preparation methods, tortilla choice, and toppings like creamy sauces or cheese.

Key Points

Significant Calorie Variation: The calorie count for two shrimp tacos can range from approximately 240 to over 600 calories, depending on the ingredients and preparation.
Cooking Method is Key: Grilling or sautéing shrimp uses minimal oil and keeps calories low, whereas frying the shrimp drastically increases the fat and calorie content.
Mind Your Tortillas: Corn tortillas are generally lower in calories than larger flour tortillas, making them a better choice for a lighter meal.
Toppings Add Up: Creamy sauces, shredded cheese, and rich dressings are the biggest contributors to a higher calorie count; opt for fresh vegetable slaw and yogurt-based sauces instead.
Build Your Own Tacos: Customizing your tacos with grilled shrimp, corn tortillas, and fresh toppings allows you to control the calories and create a healthier, balanced meal.
Shrimp is Lean Protein: At its core, shrimp is a low-calorie source of protein and nutrients, making it a great base for a healthy taco.

The Core Components: Understanding the Ingredients

To understand the total calorie count, you must break down the taco into its basic ingredients. Each component, from the protein to the toppings, adds to the final nutritional value. The following are typical building blocks:

Shrimp: As a lean protein, shrimp is naturally low in calories. A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp (about 8-10 pieces) contains approximately 85 calories. However, this count can increase significantly if the shrimp is fried in oil or cooked with added fats.
Tortillas: The type of tortilla makes a big difference. Two standard corn tortillas contain about 100-120 calories, while two larger flour tortillas can range from 180-250 calories.
Toppings and Sauces: This is where the calorie count can skyrocket. Cream-based sauces, cheese, and large amounts of avocado add substantial calories. A yogurt-based sauce is a lighter alternative to traditional crema, and fresh pico de gallo adds minimal calories.

How Cooking Method Impacts Calories

The way you prepare the shrimp is a primary factor in the final calorie count.

Grilling or Sautéing: Cooking shrimp on a grill or sautéing it in a minimal amount of oil is the healthiest method, adding only a few extra calories. Grilling also adds a smoky flavor without extra fat.
Frying: Frying shrimp, especially in a crispy batter, introduces significant amounts of oil and breading, drastically increasing the calories and fat content.

The Calorie Comparison: A Tale of Two Tacos

To illustrate how ingredients matter, here is a comparison of a simple, healthier version versus a more indulgent, calorie-dense version of two shrimp tacos.


Feature	Healthy Shrimp Tacos	Decadent Shrimp Tacos
Tortilla	2 Corn Tortillas (110 kcal)	2 Large Flour Tortillas (220 kcal)
Shrimp	4 oz Grilled Shrimp (115 kcal)	4 oz Fried, Battered Shrimp (250 kcal)
Sauce	2 Tbsp Yogurt-based sauce (40 kcal)	2 Tbsp Crema/Mayo-based sauce (90 kcal)
Toppings	Cabbage slaw, pico de gallo (15 kcal)	Cheese, large scoop of sour cream (150 kcal)
Total Calories	~280 kcal	~710 kcal

A Recipe for Healthier Shrimp Tacos

Making a delicious and healthy shrimp taco is easier than you think. By focusing on fresh, low-calorie ingredients, you can control the nutritional profile. Here is a simple framework:

Start with fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp.
Season the shrimp with a simple blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Grill the shrimp or sauté it in a non-stick pan with a minimal amount of olive oil until pink and opaque.
Warm corn tortillas on a dry skillet or over an open flame for a toasted flavor.
Top the tacos with the cooked shrimp.
Add a vibrant, fresh slaw made from shredded cabbage, grated carrots, and cilantro, dressed with lime juice and a little salt.
Drizzle a light, homemade chipotle-yogurt sauce instead of a creamy, high-fat dressing.

Calculating Your Own Shrimp Taco Calories

If you are making your own tacos, you can perform a quick calculation to estimate the calorie count. Most online nutrition databases can provide calorie information for common ingredients. Simply:

Estimate the base calories: Count the calories for your two tortillas.
Add protein calories: Estimate the weight of your cooked shrimp and use a database to find the calorie count for that amount. Factor in any oil used for cooking.
Include toppings: Tally the calories from any sauces, cheeses, or other additions. Be mindful of ingredients like avocado and sour cream.

Remember that preparation style is key. An avocado slice is healthy, but a large scoop of guacamole will add more calories. Similarly, a spoonful of salsa is negligible, while a creamy sauce can add hundreds of calories.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

There is no single answer to how many calories are in 2 shrimp tacos, as the final count depends entirely on the ingredients and cooking methods used. Shrimp tacos can be a very healthy, low-calorie meal, or a high-calorie indulgence. By choosing lean cooking methods like grilling, opting for corn tortillas, and using fresh vegetable toppings with lighter sauces, you can enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal. Always consider the components to make an informed choice that fits your dietary goals. For more healthy taco recipe ideas, you can check out websites like Healthy Recipes 101, which features nutritious variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, shrimp tacos can be a very healthy meal. When prepared with grilled shrimp, corn tortillas, and fresh vegetables, they offer lean protein, fiber, and important nutrients. Toppings like sauces and cheese are the main determinants of their healthiness.

To reduce calories, use corn tortillas instead of flour, grill or sauté the shrimp with minimal oil, and use a light sauce like a yogurt-based crema or salsa instead of mayonnaise-based versions. Load up on fresh veggies like cabbage slaw and pico de gallo.

Grilling is the healthier option. Frying shrimp, especially in a heavy batter, absorbs significant amounts of oil, which dramatically increases the calorie and fat content. Grilling adds flavor with very few added calories.

Restaurant shrimp tacos can vary widely in calories, often being higher than homemade versions due to richer sauces, larger portions, and added fats. Always check the restaurant's nutritional information if available, or assume a higher calorie count than a simple, homemade version.

Yes, you can make low-carb shrimp tacos by swapping traditional tortillas for lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas. This significantly reduces the carbohydrate and overall calorie count.

Corn tortillas generally have fewer calories than flour tortillas. For the absolute lowest-calorie option, a lettuce wrap is an excellent alternative.

A lime-cilantro yogurt sauce is a great low-calorie alternative to traditional crema. Fresh salsa, pico de gallo, or a simple squeeze of lime juice also add flavor with minimal calories.