How many calories are in Red Lobster fried shrimp?

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data from FatSecret, an entree of Red Lobster's Crunch-Fried Shrimp contains 290 calories. The exact calorie count for fried shrimp at Red Lobster varies significantly depending on the specific preparation, portion size, and included sauces, making it a critical detail for health-conscious diners.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for fried shrimp at Red Lobster differs based on the menu item, portion size, and accompanying sauces. Options range from the Crunch-Fried Shrimp entrée at 290 calories to other varieties that can be much higher.

Key Points

Specific Item Matters: The calorie count varies significantly between different fried shrimp menu items at Red Lobster, such as Crunch-Fried and Walt's Favorite.
Crunch-Fried Entrée: A serving of Crunch-Fried Shrimp entree contains approximately 290 calories, not including sides or sauces.
Walt's Favorite Calories: Walt's Favorite Shrimp can have over 600 calories per serving with sauce, making it a much more caloric choice.
Avoid Hefty Add-ons: Sauces, heavy breading, and accompanying sides significantly increase the total calorie and fat content of a fried shrimp dish.
Lighter Options Exist: Opting for grilled shrimp or creating your own feast with steamed vegetables can drastically lower the calorie intake.

Red Lobster Fried Shrimp Calorie Breakdown

At Red Lobster, not all fried shrimp are created equal when it comes to nutritional content. The calorie count depends on the specific item, the amount of breading, and the cooking method, as well as whether sides and sauces are factored in. Here is a look at some of the most popular options.

Crunch-Fried Shrimp

The most straightforward fried shrimp option is often the Crunch-Fried Shrimp entree. Nutritional tracking sites, referencing Red Lobster's data, list a single entree serving with the following breakdown:

Calories: 290
Total Fat: 17.00g
Carbohydrates: 27.0g
Protein: 9.0g

This count typically refers to the shrimp alone and does not include any accompanying sides, such as rice or french fries, which would significantly increase the overall caloric intake.

Walt's Favorite Shrimp

Walt's Favorite Shrimp is a popular menu item that is hand-breaded and lightly fried. The nutrition for this option is different due to the larger portion size and preparation. A serving of Walt's Favorite Shrimp has a much higher calorie count, listed at 630 calories when served with cocktail sauce. When served without sides or sauce, the calorie count is still high at around 549. This demonstrates how sauces and larger portions impact the final nutritional information.

Popcorn Shrimp

For those who prefer a smaller, bite-sized option, Red Lobster offers popcorn shrimp. A serving of the Crunchy Popcorn Shrimp with cocktail sauce comes in at 420 calories, according to nutritional databases. Again, this total can vary based on portion size and whether additional sauces are used.

Comparison of Red Lobster Fried Shrimp

To better understand the calorie differences, here is a comparison table of Red Lobster's most common fried shrimp menu items, based on available data.


Item	Calories (approx.)	Serving Context	Key Difference
Crunch-Fried Shrimp Entrée	290	Without sides/sauce	Lighter option, basic fried shrimp
Hand-Breaded Shrimp (Lunch)	310	With cocktail sauce	Smaller portion, but sauce adds calories
Crunchy Popcorn Shrimp	420	With cocktail sauce	Heavier breading and sauce contribute to higher count
Walt's Favorite Shrimp	630	With cocktail sauce	Largest portion, rich breading, and sauce

Making Healthier Choices

While fried options are delicious, Red Lobster offers several healthier alternatives for those counting calories. Replacing fried items with grilled or broiled seafood is one of the simplest ways to reduce caloric and fat intake.

Tips for a lighter meal:

Opt for grilled shrimp: Grilled shrimp is a much lighter alternative. For example, the Create Your Own Ultimate Feast Grilled Shrimp option is listed at 250 calories, significantly lower than any fried dish.
Watch the sauces: Creamy, sweet, and buttery sauces can quickly add hundreds of calories. Request sauce on the side to control your portion.
Choose lighter sides: Instead of fries or loaded potatoes, opt for steamed broccoli (40 calories) or a garden side salad (110 calories, dressing extra).
Limit biscuits: The delicious Cheddar Bay Biscuits® are a major calorie contributor. Each one is approximately 160 calories, so limit your consumption to keep your meal in check.
Customize your meal: Build a lighter feast by combining grilled items and steamed vegetables to enjoy seafood flavor without excess calories.

For more detailed nutritional information on all menu items, you can reference the Red Lobster website or a reputable nutrition database.

Conclusion

When it comes to answering how many calories are in Red Lobster fried shrimp, the number is not a single value. It depends heavily on the specific dish ordered. Crunch-Fried Shrimp is the lowest at 290 calories per entree, while Walt's Favorite Shrimp is significantly higher, especially with sauces included. By understanding these variations and making conscious choices, such as opting for grilled alternatives and controlling sauce and side portions, you can enjoy a satisfying seafood meal that aligns with your dietary goals.

Healthier alternatives like grilled or broiled shrimp are available for those looking to enjoy a meal with fewer calories and fat, while still savoring the great seafood taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

A serving of Walt's Favorite Shrimp at Red Lobster contains approximately 630 calories when served with cocktail sauce. The calories are lower if ordered without sides or sauce, but it is still a higher-calorie option compared to other shrimp dishes.

The calorie difference is substantial. A serving of grilled shrimp is around 250 calories, whereas a comparable serving of fried shrimp, depending on the dish, can range from 290 calories (Crunch-Fried) to over 600 calories (Walt's Favorite).

Yes, each Cheddar Bay Biscuit contains approximately 160 calories. Enjoying several throughout your meal can add a significant number of calories to your total intake.

Yes, cocktail sauce and other sauces contribute extra calories. For instance, the Hand-Breaded Shrimp lunch classic includes cocktail sauce in its 310-calorie total, showing that the sauce does add to the overall count.

The lowest-calorie shrimp dish is typically a grilled option. A Wood-Grilled Shrimp Skewer, for example, is listed at 280 calories, making it a much lighter choice than any fried alternative.

Frying and breading add significant amounts of fat and carbohydrates, drastically increasing the calorie count compared to preparing shrimp by grilling, boiling, or steaming. A plain, unbreaded shrimp is naturally low in calories.

Yes, while not a fried option, for a crunchy alternative with fewer calories, some sites suggest oven-baked 'un-fried' shrimp recipes as a way to recreate a similar texture at home with less fat. At the restaurant, opting for grilled shrimp is the best way to reduce calories.