How Many Carbs Are in Garlic Shrimp?

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

A 100-gram serving of plain cooked shrimp contains a negligible 0.2 grams of carbohydrates, making it an excellent base for a low-carb meal. The total carb count in garlic shrimp, however, depends heavily on the cooking method and any additional ingredients used, though it typically remains very low.

Quick Summary

Garlic shrimp generally has a very low carb count, making it a staple for low-carb and ketogenic diets. The total number of carbohydrates is primarily influenced by the sauce and any extra ingredients added during preparation, not the shrimp itself.

Key Points

Shrimp is Naturally Low-Carb: A 100-gram serving of plain cooked shrimp contains only 0.2g of carbohydrates, making it an ideal base for low-carb diets.
Preparation is Key: The carb count in garlic shrimp is primarily determined by the added ingredients, not the shrimp itself, so cooking method matters most.
Healthy Fats are Carb-Free: Simple garlic butter or olive oil preparations add delicious flavor with virtually no carbohydrates.
Avoid High-Carb Thickeners: Flour, breading, and honey are common additives that will significantly increase the carb count and should be avoided for low-carb versions.
Homemade vs. Commercial: Homemade garlic shrimp is the best way to control carb intake, as pre-packaged or restaurant versions often contain hidden sugars and starches.
Pair with Low-Carb Sides: For a complete meal, serve your garlic shrimp with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or fresh vegetables to keep total carbs in check.
Recipe Variations Exist: Adapt recipes like shrimp scampi or creamy garlic shrimp by using low-carb alternatives for pasta and thickeners.

The Low-Carb Profile of Plain Shrimp

Before diving into the carb content of the final dish, it's crucial to understand the nutritional foundation. Plain shrimp is a powerhouse of lean protein with a minimal macronutrient footprint. A 100-gram portion of cooked shrimp contains approximately 24 grams of protein and only 0.2 grams of carbohydrates. This means that the vast majority of the carbs in a garlic shrimp dish will not come from the shellfish itself, but from the ingredients and seasonings used to create the sauce.

The Contribution of Garlic and Other Additives

Garlic is a key component, and while a single clove contains less than one gram of carbs, these can accumulate depending on how much is used. Other flavorings can also affect the final carb total. For example, a simple garlic butter sauce using unsalted butter, olive oil, and herbs will add very few carbs, making the dish suitable for a strict ketogenic diet. Conversely, recipes that add ingredients like flour for thickening, sugar, honey, or a wine reduction can significantly increase the carbohydrate load, pushing the meal out of the low-carb category.

Low-Carb Preparations vs. High-Carb Additions

Low-Carb Ingredients: Stick to olive oil or butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, herbs like parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. These ingredients add flavor without adding substantial carbs.
High-Carb Additions to Avoid: Steer clear of breaded shrimp, flour-based sauces, added sugars like honey or brown sugar, and some pre-made marinades which can contain hidden sugars.

Garlic Shrimp Carb Comparison Table

To illustrate the impact of preparation, here is a comparison of different styles of garlic shrimp and their approximate carb counts, based on available nutrition data:


Preparation Style	Approximate Carbs per Serving	Notes on Ingredients
Simple Garlic Butter Shrimp	~3g	Butter, garlic, oil, herbs
Keto Shrimp Scampi	~3g	Garlic, butter, wine, no flour
Spicy Garlic Shrimp	~2g	Garlic, oil, chili, simple seasonings
Honey Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry	~54g	Includes rice, honey, and soy sauce

Creating Your Own Low-Carb Garlic Shrimp

Making a delicious and healthy version is simple. By focusing on fresh, natural ingredients, you can keep the carb count to a minimum while maximizing flavor.

Essential Low-Carb Garlic Shrimp Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs provide the best flavor without any added sugars found in pre-packaged sauces.
Choose Healthy Fats: Cook with olive oil or butter instead of using breadcrumbs or other carb-heavy coatings.
Be Mindful of Sauces: For a creamy sauce, use a splash of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, as featured in many keto-friendly recipes.
Consider Low-Carb Sides: Serve the shrimp with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad to complete a nutritious, low-carb meal.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of carbs in garlic shrimp is not a fixed value but depends entirely on the preparation. The shrimp itself is virtually carb-free. For those on low-carb or keto diets, a simple garlic butter or garlic and oil preparation is ideal, keeping the carb count well under 5 grams per serving. By avoiding sugary sauces and breadings, you can enjoy this versatile and healthy seafood dish without compromising your dietary goals. For more nutritional details on lean proteins, consider sources like the USDA nutritional database.

Note: Always check the ingredient list if using pre-made sauces or frozen prepared dishes, as these are often where hidden carbohydrates and sugars are found.

How many carbs are in garlic shrimp? It depends on the recipe. Here are the key factors:

Base Ingredient Carbs: Plain shrimp has a negligible carb count, with only about 0.2 grams per 100-gram serving.
Garlic Content: While low, the carbs from minced garlic can add up, though its impact is minimal in a typical recipe.
Butter and Oil: Standard low-carb recipes rely on butter and olive oil, which contribute fats and flavor with zero carbohydrates.
Sauce Additions: Ingredients like wine reductions, heavy cream, or cheese can alter the final carb count, though they can still be kept keto-friendly.
High-Carb Traps: Breaded shrimp, flour-thickened sauces, or recipes using sugar or honey can drastically increase the carbohydrate content.
Commercial vs. Homemade: The carb count can vary dramatically between homemade versions and pre-packaged or restaurant dishes.
Dietary Compatibility: Homemade garlic shrimp is highly suitable for low-carb, keto, and paleo diets when prepared correctly.

The Bottom Line on Carbs in Garlic Shrimp

The final carbohydrate count in a garlic shrimp dish is highly variable. The most important rule is to control your ingredients. Simple preparations keep carbs low, while complex sauces can add them. For the most accurate nutritional information, preparing the dish from scratch is the best approach.

A Final Word

Garlic shrimp is an incredibly versatile and healthy meal choice. By simply being aware of your recipe's components, you can easily ensure it remains a low-carb friendly staple. When dining out or purchasing pre-packaged versions, don't hesitate to ask questions about the ingredients or check the nutritional information to stay on track with your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, garlic shrimp can be very keto-friendly. When made with a simple butter, olive oil, and garlic sauce, it contains minimal carbohydrates. Always check recipes for high-carb additions like flour or honey.

For a simple homemade recipe using butter, garlic, and oil, the net carb count is typically very low, often between 2 to 4 grams per serving, depending on the amount of garlic and other seasonings.

No, a single clove of garlic contains very few carbs (less than 1 gram). However, the carbs can add up if a large amount of garlic is used, but it's not a significant source of carbs in most recipes.

The main difference is the addition of ingredients like heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a creamy version. While these are low-carb, they will slightly increase the carb count compared to a simple butter and oil preparation, which has almost zero carbs from the sauce.

You can, but it's important to be cautious. Ask the restaurant about the preparation method, as some use flour or sugar in their sauces. Avoid any breaded shrimp and sauces that seem thick or sweet.

Excellent low-carb sides include zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, asparagus, or a simple green salad. These options complement the shrimp without adding unnecessary carbohydrates.

To thicken a garlic shrimp sauce without carbs, you can reduce it by simmering longer, add a splash of heavy cream, or stir in some grated Parmesan cheese. These methods are keto-friendly and enhance flavor.