How Many Calories Are in Peeled Shrimp? A Nutrition Guide

October 26, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a 3-ounce (85 gram) serving of cooked shrimp contains just 84 calories, making it a low-calorie, high-protein powerhouse. Learning exactly how many calories are in peeled shrimp is key to managing your intake effectively, especially since preparation methods can significantly alter the final count.

Quick Summary

This guide details the calorie content of peeled shrimp, examining how cooking methods affect nutritional value. It covers the health benefits of this lean seafood, including its high protein, vitamin, and mineral content. Nutritional comparisons and tips for healthy preparation are also provided to help incorporate shrimp into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Low Calorie Protein: A 3-ounce (85g) serving of cooked, peeled shrimp contains roughly 84-90 calories, making it a lean protein source.
Preparation Matters: Cooking methods like deep-frying or adding butter and creamy sauces drastically increase the calorie count, while steaming, boiling, or grilling keeps it low.
High in Nutrients: Peeled shrimp is a rich source of protein, selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine, all crucial for various bodily functions.
Heart-Healthy: Despite containing dietary cholesterol, shrimp is low in saturated fat and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health.
Versatile and Delicious: Its adaptability makes shrimp a perfect, healthy protein addition to salads, stir-fries, and many other meals.
Check Labels for Preservatives: When buying frozen, pre-peeled shrimp, check the label for sodium tripolyphosphate (STP), which can affect texture and flavor.
Mindful of Mercury Levels: Unlike certain larger fish, shrimp is low in mercury, making it a safer seafood choice for many, including pregnant women.

Calories in Peeled Shrimp: Raw vs. Cooked

The number of calories in peeled shrimp is dependent on whether it's raw or cooked, and the cooking method used. For raw, peeled shrimp, you can expect a slightly different calorie count than for cooked versions due to the moisture content change during cooking. However, both versions remain exceptionally low in calories and fat, making shrimp an excellent choice for a wide range of diets. A standard 3-ounce (85g) serving of plain, cooked peeled shrimp contains roughly 84-90 calories.

Raw Peeled Shrimp

For those preparing their own seafood from scratch, raw peeled shrimp can be a bit tricky to calculate. A 100-gram serving of raw peeled shrimp contains about 90 calories. The edible portion of shrimp is what matters most for nutritional counting, so peeling and deveining are standard steps. For a smaller 1-ounce (28g) serving of raw peeled shrimp, the calorie count is approximately 25-26 calories.

Cooked Peeled Shrimp

Cooking shrimp slightly increases the calorie density per gram as water evaporates, but the difference is minimal and the overall calorie count remains very low. Most commercial nutrition facts are based on cooked, peeled shrimp, making this the most accessible data for consumers. A 3-ounce serving is an easy-to-track portion for meals, salads, or appetizers.

Health Benefits of a Low-Calorie Protein

Beyond just being a low-calorie food, peeled shrimp is a nutritional powerhouse. It is a source of lean protein, essential vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall health. Incorporating shrimp into a balanced diet can support muscle growth, thyroid function, and cardiovascular health.

High in Protein, Low in Fat: A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp provides over 20 grams of protein with less than 1 gram of fat. This makes it an ideal food for weight management, as high-protein foods increase satiety and help build and maintain muscle mass.
Rich in Selenium: Shrimp is packed with selenium, a trace mineral that acts as a powerful antioxidant. Selenium helps protect the body from cell damage and supports a healthy immune system.
Source of Iodine: A single serving of shrimp provides a significant amount of iodine, a mineral critical for proper thyroid function and metabolism regulation.
Contains Astaxanthin: The vibrant pink-red color of cooked shrimp comes from astaxanthin, a carotenoid with antioxidant properties. Astaxanthin has been linked to potential benefits for brain and heart health.
Supports Heart Health: Although shrimp contains dietary cholesterol, it is low in saturated fat. Research suggests that dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol than previously thought, especially compared to saturated and trans fats. Shrimp also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which further support heart health.

Navigating Shrimp Preparation and Calories

While plain boiled or steamed shrimp is extremely low in calories, the cooking method and added ingredients can dramatically increase the total calorie count. Here’s a comparison to help you make informed decisions.

Shrimp Cooking Method Comparison


Cooking Method	Added Ingredients	Approximate Calorie Change (per 3 oz)	Impact on Health Profile
Steamed/Boiled	Water, basic seasoning	Minimal (around 85-90 calories)	Preserves low-calorie, high-protein benefits
Grilled/Broiled	Light oil, herbs, spices	Low to moderate (approx. 90-95 calories)	Healthier option, adds flavor without excessive fat
Sautéed	Butter, oil, garlic	Moderate (can easily add 50+ calories)	Increases fat content; use olive oil sparingly for a healthier choice
Fried (breaded)	Breading, batter, oil	High (adds 100+ calories depending on breading)	Significantly increases fat and carb content, detracts from natural health benefits
Shrimp Scampi	Butter, olive oil, wine	High (adds substantial calories and fat)	Delicious but a high-calorie preparation; best enjoyed in moderation

Tips for Healthier Shrimp Dishes

To keep your shrimp dishes healthy and align with your nutrition goals, consider these tips:

Opt for Low-Calorie Cooking Methods: Steaming, boiling, grilling, and broiling are excellent choices that require minimal added fat.
Use Healthy Fats Sparingly: When sautéing, use a small amount of a healthy fat like extra-virgin olive oil instead of butter.
Season with Herbs and Spices: Flavor shrimp naturally with herbs like parsley and dill, or a simple spice rub. Citrus juices like lemon and lime also add a fresh, low-calorie punch.
Pair with Nutrient-Dense Sides: Serve shrimp with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or a quinoa pilaf to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Be Mindful of Sauces: Many cocktail sauces and creamy dips are high in sugar and sodium. Opt for a homemade, lighter alternative or a simple squeeze of lemon.

Conclusion

For those seeking a lean protein source, peeled shrimp is a fantastic option with a very low calorie count. A typical 3-ounce serving of cooked, peeled shrimp provides a wealth of protein, vitamins, and minerals for under 100 calories. However, the true impact on your nutrition depends on how you prepare it. By choosing healthy cooking methods like steaming, grilling, or boiling, and being mindful of added fats and sauces, you can maintain its low-calorie status. Peeled shrimp can be a cornerstone of a healthy, delicious diet, offering numerous health benefits without a high caloric cost. Its versatility makes it a perfect protein for everything from a light lunch to a satisfying dinner entrée. For more inspiration on healthy seafood options, consult reputable sources like the Food Network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, peeled shrimp is an excellent low-fat protein source. A 3-ounce (85g) serving of cooked shrimp contains less than 1 gram of fat, with the majority being healthy polyunsaturated fats.

No, peeling shrimp does not significantly affect its core nutritional value, as the majority of the nutrients and calories are contained within the edible meat, not the shell.

Variations in reported shrimp calories often arise from differences in serving size calculations (e.g., small, large, 100g), whether the nutrition fact is for raw vs. cooked shrimp, and how cooking methods or added ingredients are factored in.

For most people, the dietary cholesterol in shrimp does not significantly raise blood cholesterol levels. Shrimp is low in saturated fat, which has a larger impact on blood cholesterol, and newer dietary guidelines no longer recommend strictly limiting dietary cholesterol.

The healthiest ways to cook peeled shrimp are steaming, boiling, grilling, or broiling with minimal added oils. These methods preserve the natural flavor and keep the calorie and fat content low.

Add flavor by seasoning with herbs and spices, a spritz of lemon or lime juice, or a minimal amount of olive oil. Avoid excessive butter or creamy, high-sodium sauces.

Wild-caught and responsibly farmed shrimp can both be nutritious. Wild shrimp may have less saturated fat due to a natural diet, while some farmed shrimp can have slightly higher omega-3 levels depending on their feed.