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Shrimp is a wonderfully versatile and nutritious source of protein. The light and delicate flavors lend themselves to many different types of global cuisines and cooking methods as a leaner protein choice for the health-conscious. Shrimp can transform everyday meals into flavorful dishes packed with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vital minerals, including iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12.
Fresh shrimp is not only a great addition to creating healthier, well-balanced meals, but it can also be a great option for busy individuals because of its quick cooking time and simple preparation requirements. It’s a versatile seafood that introduces variety into healthy meal plans while being widely adaptable to many different types of dishes.
Here at The Meal Kit Review, we will share some of our favorite shrimp recipes, what ingredients pair well with them, and which meal kits we recommend for those looking for a more convenient way to incorporate this delicious and lean protein into their diets.
What Makes Shrimp a Healthy Protein Choice?
For the health-conscious or those looking to incorporate more well-balanced and healthy meals into their diet, shrimp is a standout choice. It has a high protein-to-calorie ratio, with twenty grams of protein per 100 grams of shrimp for only 85-90 calories. High-protein and low-calorie foods are ideal for managing weight and helping grow muscle mass. The added benefits of key nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12, which support metabolism, thyroid function, and red blood cell production, make shrimp an excellent healthy protein choice.
As if that weren’t enough, shrimp is also low in saturated fat and contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which you need for optimal heart health. The fresh and mild flavors are perfect for pairing with a large variety of seasonings and ingredients, so you never feel like you lack variety. Shrimp is easy to prepare and preserves its nutritional components when grilled, baked, or even sauteed.
8 Delicious and Healthy Meal Ideas with Shrimp That You Need to Try
So, what meals are the best to try that contain this protein-packed power food? Here, we have shared the top eight nutrient-rich meals creatively featuring shrimp. These globally inspired recipes highlight the fresh flavors and ingredients while being simple to prepare and healthy.
Garlic Lemon Shrimp Zucchini Pasta
Shrimp pairs very well with fresh vegetables. In this dish, zucchini noodles replace traditional pasta for a lower-carb but nutrient-dense dish. Add garlic-sautéed shrimp and toss them with the zucchini and bright lemon juice, and top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. It makes for a simple, fast, and healthy dinner or lunch.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Salad
This fresh, protein-rich salad captures the flavors of the Mediterranean. Shrimp is marinated, grilled, and served on a bed of vibrant greens and veggies. Arugula and spinach form the base, topped with sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, crisp red onion, and creamy, crumbled feta cheese. Dressed in lemon and olive oil, the vinaigrette brings everything together for a delicious and healthy salad.
Coconut Curry Shrimp Bowl
A warm and comforting bowl of coconut curry shrimp is a comforting meal that is filling and healthy. Shrimp is simmered in a creamy coconut curry sauce made with authentic warm spices like curry powder, garlic, ginger, and coconut milk. To keep it lower carb, serve the curry over cauliflower rice for an even healthier alternative.
Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas
For a simple, nutritious one-pan meal, shrimp fajitas are a great option. Fresh shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and onions are coated in fajita seasoning and oven-roasted in a single pan until softened with nice charred edges. This low-mess recipe pairs well with fresh tortillas and healthy toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, and Greek yogurt.
Asian Shrimp Quinoa Stir-fry
Shrimp and quinoa are a great traditional pairing, and this Asian-inspired stir-fry elevates them. Snap peas, carrots, broccoli, and shrimp are sauteed in a salty-sweet soy-ginger sauce and topped with protein—and fiber-rich quinoa. The quinoa gives the dish a nuttier and sweeter flavor than a classic rice alternative. This is a healthful and nutritious meal packed with fresh veggies and protein.
Cajun Shrimp Sweet Potato Skillet
Another easy-to-clean-up and quick recipe is a Cajun sweet potato skillet. Shrimp are tossed in flavorful Cajun spices and cooked in a skillet with sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. The caramel sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances the heat of the Cajun spices while adding vitamins and fiber to create a comforting and healthy dish.
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos
Tacos are always a hit, and these cilantro-lime shrimp tacos are easy to assemble and quick to make. Lime-marinated shrimp is sauteed and served in corn tortillas with fresh shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a tangy lime crema. A squeeze of lime and avocado on top is the perfect complement to this fun and delicious healthy meal.
Shrimp Avocado Rice Bowl
For an easy meal prep or lunch dish, use brown rice as a base for seared shrimp, creamy avocado, and your favorite vegetables, such as cucumbers and carrots. A simple sesame-ginger dressing adds a punch of flavor to finish it off. This nutrient-dense and well-balanced recipe is low in fat and high in protein and fiber.
What Sides Pair Well with Shrimp?
Shrimp is a delicate and light ingredient that requires ingredients that complement seafood without overwhelming it. The right side dish can transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy dish with well-balanced textures and flavors. Here are a few top choices:
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Asparagus has a complementary earthy flavor that pairs well with shrimp and other seafood. Roast asparagus spears in garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese until crisp-tender and slightly caramelized.
Lemon Butter Angel Hair Pasta
Pasta is always a favorite go-to option for seafood dishes. An angel hair pasta tossed in a light lemon-butter sauce is a simple and elegant side dish and brings a rich flavor to balance the freshness of shrimp.
Mediterranean Quinoa Fresh Salad
Fresh vegetables and a healthy carbohydrate make delicious complimentary side dishes. Combine quinoa with fresh cucumber slices, sweet cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a sprinkle of feta cheese dressed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette as a refreshing side. The fresh, complex flavors are bright and light and go well with shrimp.
Coconut Jasmine Rice Pilaf
Another excellent option is a flavorful rice pilaf. Jasmine rice cooked with coconut milk, aromatic ginger, and garlic makes a fragrant and filling side dish. Add extra vegetables for even more nutritional value.
Grilled Summer Vegetable Medley
Grilled veggies are a tasty complement to seafood like shrimp. Try grilling seasonal fresh vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and mushrooms until charred and fork-tender. They are an easy, colorful, and nutrient-packed side full of flavor.
Can Frozen Shrimp Meals Also Be Healthy?
The benefit of frozen shrimp meals is that you can enjoy fresh shrimp year-round. Shrimp maintains its nutritional components when frozen but needs to be processed and flash-frozen appropriately. When done correctly, frozen shrimp contain the same omega-3 fatty acids, protein content, and nutrients as fresh shrimp.
Look for frozen shrimp with minimal additives for the freshest and highest-quality shrimp. The ingredient label should only read “shrimp” and “water.” Avoid any brand that contains sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) or other preservatives.
Like many frozen meals, frozen shrimp is a great, convenient choice for weeknight meals. Before cooking, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water. Then, prepare it immediately after thawing so it remains fresh. Try sautéing, baking, or grilling it to maintain the fresh flavors and textures.
Meal Delivery Services That Offer Healthy Shrimp Dishes
If you want an even more convenient way to enjoy healthy shrimp-focused dishes, meal delivery services offer a great alternative to meal planning and grocery shipping. They take the guesswork out of finding the right balanced recipes and feature many different sustainably sourced shrimp protein options that are nutritionally balanced. Here are a few of the best meal services that offer just that:
HelloFresh
HelloFresh is one of the top meal kit services in the country. It is famous for its crowd-pleasing, familiar recipes that families and individuals can enjoy making at home. HelloFresh specializes in simple, quick meals with pre-portioned ingredients and easy instructions. The seasonal produce is farm fresh, and the proteins, including the fresh shrimp, are sustainably sourced.
The extensive weekly menu makes finding healthier alternatives easy and sorting recipes for high-protein or calorie-smart options easy. Many of the shrimp dishes feature global flavors, like the Middle Eastern Shrimp and Chickpea Bowls, Sweet Heat Hoisin Shrimp Tacos, and Mediterranean Crunch Salad with Shrimp.
Home Chef
Home Chef is a meal kit delivery service that develops recipes for those who want to enjoy more home-cooked meals but need a simple and less time-consuming option. The recipes often teach subscribers new cooking techniques and help them expand their culinary boundaries by allowing them to try new flavors and cuisines. The meal plans include fast and simple kits, oven-ready meals, and fully ready ready-to-heat options.
Home Chef has some great customizable options that allow you to swap proteins and portion sizes in the recipes you are interested in. You can also purchase extra shrimp protein packs to add to meals at home. The recipes all come with easy-to-follow recipe cards and pre-portioned instructions. Some of their shrimp dishes include Shrimp Pad Thai, Ceviche-Style Shrimp Tostadas, and Firecracker Shrimp.
Blue Apron
Blue Apron’s chef-designed meals are designed to be unique and feature novel and complex flavors and combinations. The recipes are approachable but feel gourmet and restaurant quality. The steps to make each dish are simple but produce impressive meals to enjoy at home. Each meal kit has seasonal, high-quality, pre-portioned ingredients and full-color recipe cards with easy instructions.
The Blue Apron meal kits are geared for chefs of all abilities who want to enjoy home cooking and feature many different Mediterranean and Asian-inspired recipes. A few of their shrimp-designed dishes include Calabrian Shrimp & Orzo with Zucchini, Chimichurri Shrimp with Barley, Peppers, and Tomatoes, and a Salmon and Shrimp Poke Bowl with Avocado.
Bottom Line
From the health-conscious to those looking to include more nutritious foods in their diet or for those following a pescatarian diet – shrimp is a standout choice. Its versatility makes it easy to cook in various ways, and its delicate and fresh flavors are showcased in many different global cuisines. Shrimp is a lean, protein-rich seafood that is low in calories and full of nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals to promote heart health and overall wellness.
Many different healthy recipes and side dishes pair well with shrimp, such as those with fresh vegetables, whole grains, herbs, and spices. Whether you make your own fresh shrimp recipes at home or enjoy those provided by a quality meal kit delivery service, shrimp offers near-endless possibilities for supporting a healthier lifestyle.
