Understanding the Numbers: How Many Calories Are in 11 Cooked Shrimp?

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Plain, cooked shrimp is a remarkably low-calorie and high-protein food. However, the exact answer to how many calories are in 11 cooked shrimp? isn't a single number, as it depends heavily on the crustaceans' size and, most importantly, the method used for cooking.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 11 cooked shrimp depends on the crustaceans' size and preparation method. Boiled or steamed shrimp are significantly lower in calories than fried versions. This popular seafood is also a nutrient-dense source of lean protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Key Points

Size and Cooking Method are Key: The calorie count for 11 shrimp depends heavily on whether they are small, medium, or large, and whether they are boiled, steamed, grilled, or fried.
Plain Cooking Keeps Calories Low: Boiled or steamed shrimp typically contain fewer than 100 calories for a standard serving of around 11-12 medium-sized pieces, making them an excellent choice for a low-calorie diet.
Frying Adds Significant Calories: Fried, breaded shrimp can easily more than double the calorie count of plain shrimp due to the added fat from oil and breading.
High in Lean Protein: Cooked shrimp is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and promoting feelings of fullness.
Rich in Micronutrients: Shrimp offers important vitamins and minerals such as selenium, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and choline, and contains beneficial antioxidants like astaxanthin.
Choose Wisely for Health: To maximize the health benefits and minimize calories, opt for preparation methods that require little to no added fats, such as steaming or grilling.

For anyone monitoring their calorie intake, understanding the nutritional value of what you eat is crucial. Shrimp, a favorite protein source for many, can be a great addition to a healthy diet. But the calorie count for a specific number of shrimp, like 11, is not constant. Factors such as size and cooking technique are the primary drivers of its final nutritional profile.

The Calorie Equation: Size and Method Matter

Determining the calorie count requires a more detailed look beyond just the number of shrimp. Both the size of the individual shrimp and the cooking method dramatically influence the outcome. A small, steamed shrimp is a much different nutritional proposition than a large, breaded and fried one.

How Shrimp Size Affects the Calorie Count

As you might expect, larger shrimp contain more calories simply because they have more mass. The industry often uses a count per pound to standardize size, but for simplicity, most people refer to them as small, medium, or large. An average medium shrimp might have around 6 to 7 calories, while a large one could be closer to 9 to 10 calories each. Jumbo shrimp can be even higher, at around 14 calories per piece. This means 11 medium shrimp would be around 77 calories, but 11 large shrimp could be over 100 calories before any additional ingredients are added.

The Impact of the Cooking Method

This is the most significant factor affecting the final calorie total. The way you prepare shrimp can be the difference between a lean, healthy protein source and a calorie-dense dish.

Boiled or Steamed: These are the healthiest options, as they add virtually no calories, fat, or sodium to the shrimp. A 3-ounce serving (about 12 medium shrimp) contains approximately 84 to 90 calories. This method preserves the natural flavor and nutritional integrity of the seafood.
Grilled: Similar to boiling and steaming, grilling adds minimal calories, assuming a light brushing of oil or a dry rub is used. Grilled shrimp provides a smoky flavor without a significant calorie increase.
Fried: This is where the calorie count skyrockets. Battering and deep-frying shrimp can increase the calorie content substantially due to the absorption of oil. A 3-ounce serving of fried shrimp could contain between 200 to 250 calories, more than doubling the amount found in a plain, boiled serving.

Beyond Calories: The Nutritional Profile of Shrimp

Regardless of the cooking method, shrimp offers an impressive array of macro and micronutrients. It's a fantastic source of lean protein and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals vital for overall health.

Here are some of the key nutrients found in cooked shrimp:

Protein: An excellent source of high-quality protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues.
Selenium: A potent antioxidant that supports immune and thyroid health.
Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and the production of red blood cells.
Choline: An important nutrient for brain health and liver function.
Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant that is responsible for the pinkish color of shrimp and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Other Minerals: Shrimp also provides phosphorus, zinc, copper, and iodine.

Cooking Methods Comparison Table


Cooking Method	Calories (approx. 11-12 medium shrimp)	Added Fat	Added Sodium	Notes
Boiled/Steamed	70-90 kcal	Very low to none	Depends on water/seasoning	Retains natural flavor and nutrients. Ideal for salads.
Grilled	80-100 kcal	Low (if using minimal oil)	Depends on rub/marinade	Adds a smoky flavor. Pairs well with marinades.
Fried	200-250 kcal or more	High	High (from breading)	Significantly increases calories and fat. Not ideal for a low-calorie diet.
Sautéed	120-150 kcal	Moderate (from oil/butter)	Moderate (from sauces)	Allows for flavor customization but adds extra calories and fat.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count for 11 cooked shrimp is not a fixed number and varies based on size and preparation. For a lower-calorie option, opt for boiling, steaming, or grilling, which will keep the calorie count closer to 70-100 calories. Fried shrimp, on the other hand, can be a significantly more calorie-dense choice. By being mindful of these factors, you can effectively incorporate this nutrient-rich seafood into your diet. For more detailed nutritional information on shrimp and other seafood, consult reliable sources like Verywell Fit's Shrimp Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 3-ounce serving of boiled or steamed shrimp (about 11-12 medium pieces) has around 84-90 calories, while the same serving of fried shrimp can contain 200-250 calories due to added oils and breading.

Yes, larger shrimp naturally contain more calories than smaller ones. A medium shrimp might have around 6-7 calories, while a large one could be 9-10 calories or more.

Yes, shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein. A standard 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp provides around 20 grams of protein.

Beyond being a low-calorie protein source, shrimp contains beneficial nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, thyroid function, and cognitive function.

Recent research suggests that dietary cholesterol from foods like shrimp has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people. The focus has shifted to limiting saturated and trans fats instead.

The sodium content depends heavily on the preparation. Plain, uncooked shrimp has moderate sodium, but added seasonings or pre-packaged cocktails can significantly increase the amount.

The healthiest ways to prepare shrimp are to boil, steam, or grill them with minimal added fats. Using herbs, spices, lemon juice, or dry rubs can add flavor without excess calories.