Understanding Your Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in 10 large shrimp cooked?

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Seafood Council, a single large shrimp has about 9-10 calories. This low-calorie count makes knowing how many calories are in 10 large shrimp cooked? a valuable piece of information for any healthy nutrition diet. A plain serving of this shellfish can be a lean source of protein without adding excessive calories.

Quick Summary

Ten large cooked shrimp contain approximately 90-100 calories, though the exact amount varies based on size and preparation. It is a lean protein source rich in vital nutrients, making it a great addition to a healthy diet when cooked with minimal added fat.

Key Points

Low Calorie, High Protein: Ten large, plain cooked shrimp contain approximately 90-100 calories, offering a lean source of high-quality protein ideal for weight management.
Cooking Method Matters: The way shrimp is prepared drastically affects its calorie count; opt for boiling, steaming, or grilling over deep-frying to keep it a light and healthy meal.
Rich in Antioxidants: Shrimp contains the potent antioxidant astaxanthin, which helps fight inflammation and supports heart and brain health.
Nutrient-Dense: It provides essential nutrients like selenium, iodine, phosphorus, and choline, all of which play critical roles in bodily functions from thyroid regulation to bone health.
Cholesterol Concerns are Outdated: Modern research shows dietary cholesterol from shrimp has little impact on blood cholesterol for most healthy people, as shrimp is low in saturated fat.
Consider Sustainability: For the most responsible choice, look for wild-caught options from well-managed fisheries (like Oregon Pink Shrimp) or farmed shrimp with reputable certifications (MSC, ASC).

The Caloric Breakdown: How Many Calories Are in 10 Large Shrimp?

For a standard-sized large shrimp, which weighs approximately 5.5 grams, the calorie count is quite low, around 9 to 10 calories per piece. Therefore, a serving of 10 large, plain cooked shrimp would contain approximately 90 to 100 calories. It is important to note that the term 'large' can vary, with other sources suggesting a slightly lower number (e.g., 74 kcal in 10 large shrimp). The key is to recognize that cooked shrimp, without heavy additives, is a very low-calorie food. This makes it an excellent option for weight management and as a versatile protein source in a balanced diet.

Cooking Methods: The Biggest Factor in Calorie Count

While raw shrimp is naturally low in calories, the preparation method significantly impacts the final calorie count. The extra ingredients used can turn a light dish into a calorie-dense one. Here is how different cooking methods stack up:

Boiling or Steaming: These methods add no extra fat or calories to the shrimp itself. Expect the calorie count to remain in the 90-100 range for 10 large shrimp.
Grilling or Broiling: A light brush of oil or a spice rub adds minimal calories. This is a lean and flavorful option that keeps the calorie count low, typically around 85-95 calories per 3 ounces, which is equivalent to 8 large shrimp.
Sautéing: Using a minimal amount of cooking spray or a teaspoon of olive oil will add some calories, but the overall meal can still be quite light. This method is excellent for adding flavor with garlic, herbs, and lemon juice.
Frying (with batter): This method dramatically increases the calorie count. The batter and deep-frying in oil can raise the calorie count to 200-250 calories per 3-ounce serving. A single large fried shrimp can have 25-40 calories, making 10 shrimp over 250 calories.
Sauces and Additives: High-fat sauces like butter, rich creams, or mayonnaise will increase the calories. For a healthier option, choose sauces based on citrus juices, herbs, or light broths.

Comparing Caloric Impact of Shrimp Cooking Methods


Cooking Method	Approximate Calories (10 Large Shrimp)	Preparation Notes
Boiled or Steamed	90–100 kcal	Adds no extra fat; keeps seasoning light.
Grilled or Broiled	~110–120 kcal (with light oil)	A quick brush of olive oil and spices adds flavor.
Sautéed	~120–150 kcal (with oil)	Depends on the amount of oil used; adds moderate calories.
Deep-Fried	250–400+ kcal	Significantly increases fat and calorie content due to batter and oil.

The Broader Nutritional Profile of Shrimp

Beyond being a low-calorie protein source, shrimp is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

High-Quality Protein: Shrimp provides a substantial amount of lean protein, which is essential for building muscle, repairing tissues, and helping you feel full and satisfied. A 3-ounce serving provides roughly 18-20 grams of protein.
Selenium: This trace mineral is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune and thyroid function. Shrimp is an excellent source, with a 3-ounce serving providing over 50% of the Daily Value.
Iodine: Essential for proper thyroid function, iodine is not found in high amounts in many foods, making shrimp a valuable dietary source.
Astaxanthin: This carotenoid gives shrimp its pinkish color and acts as a powerful antioxidant. It may help protect against inflammation and support heart and brain health.
Choline: An important nutrient for brain health, choline plays a role in memory and mood regulation. Shrimp is a good source of this nutrient.
Phosphorus: Working with calcium, phosphorus is crucial for bone health and the formation of bones and teeth.

Are the Cholesterol Concerns Still Relevant?

For many years, shrimp's high cholesterol content caused concern for heart health. However, recent research has changed this perspective. Studies show that dietary cholesterol has a minimal effect on blood cholesterol levels for most people. Saturated and trans fats have a much more significant impact, and shrimp is very low in saturated fat. Therefore, for most healthy individuals, including shrimp in a balanced diet is perfectly safe, especially when prepared without added butter or oils.

Important Considerations: Wild vs. Farmed and Sustainability

When buying shrimp, you might notice options for wild-caught versus farmed. There are pros and cons to each, often linked to environmental impact and regulatory practices.

Farmed Shrimp: While U.S. farms have strict environmental regulations, some imported farmed shrimp, particularly from Asia, have raised concerns over the use of banned antibiotics and other chemicals. Overcrowded conditions can lead to disease, which is often managed with antibiotics, contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
Wild-Caught Shrimp: This can be a more sustainable option, especially from well-managed fisheries with low bycatch. For example, Oregon Pink Shrimp and British Columbia spot prawns are highly rated for sustainability. However, bottom-trawling methods can have a higher environmental impact.
Mercury Levels: Shrimp is low in mercury, making it a safe seafood choice for frequent consumption.
Certifications: To ensure you are choosing a responsibly sourced product, look for certifications from independent organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

The Verdict: Shrimp as a Healthy Dietary Staple

Shrimp can be a highly nutritious and beneficial addition to your diet. With its high protein content and low-calorie count, it is an excellent tool for weight management and satiety. The numerous vitamins and minerals, from selenium to choline and the antioxidant astaxanthin, offer significant health benefits for your brain, thyroid, immune system, and heart. By choosing healthy cooking methods like steaming, grilling, or sautéing with minimal oil, and being mindful of sustainable sourcing, you can easily incorporate shrimp into a balanced and delicious diet without worrying about excessive calories or health risks.

Shrimp nutrition facts and health benefits are well-documented, reinforcing its place as a great food choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sautéing 10 large shrimp in one tablespoon of butter (approximately 100 calories) could increase the total calorie count to around 190–200 calories, depending on the exact size of the shrimp. This is significantly higher than plain cooked shrimp.

Yes, shrimp is considered excellent for weight loss. It is a lean, high-protein food with very few calories, which helps increase satiety and manage appetite.

While shrimp does contain cholesterol, recent studies indicate that dietary cholesterol has less impact on blood cholesterol than saturated fats, which are very low in shrimp. For most healthy individuals, moderate consumption is fine.

No, shrimp is considered one of the safest seafood choices regarding mercury content. The mercury levels are very low, even when compared to many other types of fish.

The healthiness of farmed shrimp depends on its origin. While some imported farmed shrimp have been associated with antibiotic use, U.S. farmed shrimp is more strictly regulated. Wild-caught shrimp typically has a lower risk of chemical residues.

Sulfites are preservatives used to prevent black spot discoloration in shrimp. Some individuals can have pseudo-allergic reactions to them. Studies show cooking, especially steaming, can significantly reduce sulfite levels.

Yes, shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality protein. A 3-ounce serving of cooked shrimp provides around 18-20 grams of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and overall health.