How Many Calories Do Six Shrimp Have? A Guide to Preparation

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for six shrimp can range dramatically, from as low as 26 calories for medium raw shrimp to well over 200 calories if fried. This variability depends entirely on the shrimp's size and how it is prepared, highlighting the importance of understanding your cooking methods to control nutritional value.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a six-shrimp serving depends heavily on the shrimp's size and cooking method. Plain, unadulterated preparation like boiling or steaming keeps calories low, while adding oil, butter, or breading significantly increases the total. Different sizes of shrimp, from medium to jumbo, also impact the final count, offering a wide calorie range.

Key Points

Size Matters: The calorie count for six shrimp depends on their size; six jumbo shrimp have more calories than six medium ones, even with identical preparation.
Preparation is Key: Cooking methods drastically alter the calorie content; simple boiling adds minimal calories, while frying with batter and oil adds substantially more.
High-Protein Option: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean, high-quality protein, promoting satiety and supporting muscle health, which is beneficial for weight management.
Rich in Nutrients: Shrimp is packed with essential micronutrients like selenium and vitamin B12, contributing to overall well-being and supporting various bodily functions.
Control Your Calories: To keep the meal light, use low-calorie cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, or grilling, and flavor with herbs, spices, or citrus instead of heavy sauces and fats.

Determining the Calorie Count for Your Six Shrimp

Calculating the precise number of calories in six shrimp is not a one-size-fits-all equation. Several factors come into play, with the most significant being the shrimp's size and the cooking technique used. For instance, six plain medium cooked shrimp contain roughly 43 calories, while six large cooked ones have about 81 calories. The way you prepare the shrimp can easily multiply this number, turning a light snack into a high-calorie meal.

The Impact of Shrimp Size

Shrimp are typically sold by count per pound, indicating their size. A lower number means larger shrimp. For example, a bag labeled '26-30 count' contains medium-to-large shrimp, whereas '16-20 count' signifies extra-large or jumbo varieties. This sizing directly affects the per-shrimp calorie count, as larger shrimp have more mass. Six jumbo shrimp will contain significantly more calories than six medium ones, even with the same cooking method. This is a crucial distinction for anyone tracking their caloric intake closely.

Common Shrimp Sizing and Calorie Estimates

Medium (41-50 per pound): Approximately 7 calories per shrimp. Six would be around 42 calories.
Large (31-35 per pound): Approximately 9-10 calories per shrimp. Six would be around 54-60 calories.
Jumbo (16-20 per pound): Approximately 14 calories per shrimp. Six would be about 84 calories.

How Cooking Methods Change the Game

While raw, unadulterated shrimp is low in calories, adding fats and breading can inflate the caloric load considerably. For example, a single large breaded fried shrimp can have 25–40 calories on its own. Multiply that by six, and you're looking at 150–240 calories—all from the cooking method, not the shrimp itself. Here is a breakdown of how different cooking methods influence the calorie count for six large shrimp.


Cooking Method	Approximate Calories for 6 Large Shrimp	Calorie Breakdown	Impact
Boiled or Steamed	54-60 kcal	Minimal added fat or calories from water.	Very Low
Grilled (light oil)	65-75 kcal	A light brush of olive oil adds minimal calories.	Low
Sautéed (with oil/butter)	100-150 kcal	Butter or oil adds significant fat and calories.	Moderate
Fried (breaded)	150-240+ kcal	Flour/batter and deep-frying in oil drastically increase calories.	High
Shrimp Scampi	200+ kcal	A rich sauce with butter and olive oil contributes high fat content.	Very High

The Health Benefits of Shrimp

Beyond the calories, shrimp provides a robust nutritional profile. A 3-ounce serving offers over 20 grams of high-quality protein, which is essential for satiety and muscle maintenance. It's also an excellent source of micronutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant, while vitamin B12 is vital for nerve function and blood formation. The minimal fat in shrimp is predominantly heart-healthy polyunsaturated fat, including beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. However, as mentioned, this nutrient-dense profile can be overshadowed by unhealthy cooking methods.

Making Healthier Choices

To keep your meal light, opt for cooking methods that don't require heavy fats. Boiling, steaming, and grilling are all excellent choices. For added flavor without the calories, rely on herbs, spices, and citrus. Consider creating shrimp skewers with vegetables like bell peppers and onions, or add boiled shrimp to salads and pasta dishes for a protein boost. Avoiding fried or butter-laden preparations is the most effective way to enjoy shrimp while managing your calorie intake.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of how many calories do six shrimp have is best answered with a deeper understanding of food preparation. A basic portion of six large steamed shrimp is a fantastic low-calorie, high-protein choice. However, that same number of shrimp, when deep-fried or drenched in a butter sauce, can skyrocket in calories. By focusing on simple, whole-food preparations, you can fully enjoy the impressive nutritional benefits of shrimp while keeping your dietary goals on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raw shrimp and cooked shrimp of the same size have a nearly identical calorie count, assuming no oil or butter is used during cooking. The cooking process itself does not significantly alter the calorie content.

To reduce calories, choose healthier cooking methods like boiling, steaming, or grilling instead of frying. Use spices, herbs, lemon juice, or garlic to add flavor without excess fats.

Yes, six shrimp can be a very healthy portion, especially when prepared without high-fat ingredients. It provides a good amount of protein for a relatively low number of calories, making it ideal for weight management.

While most shrimp species have similar basic nutritional profiles, the calorie count per piece is mainly determined by the size and weight of the shrimp, not the species itself.

Shrimp scampi is typically high in calories because it is prepared with a generous amount of butter and oil. A serving of shrimp scampi will contain significantly more calories than a serving of plain, boiled shrimp.

Flavor your shrimp with fresh garlic, parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, or a blend of dried herbs and spices. These options add plenty of flavor with very few calories.

No, shrimp contains virtually no carbohydrates. It is almost entirely composed of protein and water, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet.