Hi, friends!  I’m updating this post from 2014 and posting today!  Hope you enjoy!

I love shrimp; it easily makes the list of my top ten favorite foods.  It is so versatile, move over tuna… shrimp is the real chicken of the sea.  Except it’s easier to prepare than chicken (assuming you live in the US and have the convenience of purchasing pre-peeled and deveined shrimp) and easier to cook than chicken, but not cheaper.  Luckily, whether you participate in it or not, Lent is almost halfway through, which means even if you aren’t abstaining from meat during the weekends you will most likely still be able to get seafood, such as shrimp,  on sale at your local grocery store.

What are the Health Benefits of Shrimp?

Shrimp are full of immune-boosting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients!

1.  Shrimp is high in astaxanthin which is a nutrient and carotenoid that gives shrimp its uncanny pink hue and functions as an antioxidant.  Astaxanthin is thought to have immune boosting and anti-inflammatory functions which may lower risk of certain types of cancers.

2.  Shrimp is high in the mineral selenium which is important in helping the body repair and regenerates; it also plays a significant role in the immune system.

3.  Shrimp is a lean source of high-quality protein.  Per ounce shrimp has 6 grams of protein and about 30 calories, that’s a lot of protein bang for your calorie buck.

4.  Shrimp is high in Omega 3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA, which play a significant role in the immune system and nervous system.  Omega 3’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to be protective of the cardiovascular system by improving risk factors such as inflammation and blood pressure.  One four-ounce serving of shrimp may contain up to 375mg of Omega 3’s (50% EPA and 50%DHA.)

What about the Cholesterol?

Update!  The American Heart Association has removed their recommendation to limit cholesterol intake under 300mg per day.  (Here are their current recommendations.) They have done this because there is a lack of supportive evidence to indicate that dietary cholesterol actually causes high cholesterol levels (see this study.)  Good news for those of us that love eggs (yolk vs. white) and shrimp!  In addition, saturated fats may not be as dangerous as once thought, either.  For more information see this updated post I wrote on how to read your blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure) and what to do about them.

More Resources:

• Shrimp (www.whfoods.com)
• What is the nutritional value of shrimp?  (www.livestrong.com)
• Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp (www.healwithfood.org)
• A study on the health benefits of shrimp (www.healwithfood.org)

Shrimp Recipe Round-Up

In continuing with the theme of “Going Further With Food” for National Nutrition Month, I thought I’d share some of my favorite ways to Go Further with shrimp!

Zoodles with Creamy Lemon Shrimp – GF

Spiralized zucchini makes a delicious zucchini pasta known as zoodles, a refreshing, healthy way to enjoy creamy lemon shrimp, one pan, and just three ingredients!  Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Low Carb

Baked Mini Shrimp Tacos- GF

These crispy mini shrimp tacos are made from mini corn tortillas are filled with creamy guacamole and juicy shrimp then baked to a golden perfection, served warm with fresh Pico de gallo! A fun appetizer everyone will love! Dairy Free, Gluten Free

Paleo Baked Coconut Shrimp

These baked coconut shrimp start with juicy shrimp that are coated with flavorful seasonings & coconut flakes, then they are baked to a golden crispy perfection in less than 10 minutes.  Serve with an easy spicy mango sauce for the win! Paleo Friendly

Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs- GF

Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs are a cold and spicy flavorful appetizer everyone will love!

 

Creamy Jalapeno Shrimp Stir Fry – GF

This meal uses just three ingredients and comes together in 15 minutes or less.

Healthy Paella  (contains chicken and shrimp) – GF/PALEO

This dish will make you feel like you were just served a fancy restaurant meal from Spain, but features cauliflower rice for a healthy twist on this Spanish tradition!

 

Shrimp & Goat Cheese Tortilla Crusted Quiche

Shrimp, eggs, and goat cheese make the perfect trifecta in this shrimp and goat cheese tortilla crusted quiche.  Sound like a cholesterol bomb? This meal will impress your family and make you feel like you ate a fancy meal out, but you easily made it at home in no time!

Click here for the recipe——-> Shrimp and Goat Cheese Tortilla Crusted Quiche

Easy Shrimp and Broccoli Omelet  -GF/Paleo

Make this super huge and delicious shrimp and broccoli omelet in under 20 minutes any night of the week!  This recipe is the perfect post-workout breakfast, lunch, or dinner because it is packed with 43grams of protein and only 260 calories, so you still have room to top it with yummy omelet toppings like avocado and cheese.  This is one of my go-to “I don’t feel like cooking weeknight recipes” because it requires so little effort and it tastes so good.

Click here for the recipe——> Shrimp and Broccoli Omelet

Healthy Shrimp Enchilada Bake

One of my first and favorite recipes on Hungry Hobby was the Healthy Shrimp Enchilada Bake, and since then the hubby asks for it for dinner all the time.  This will feed a crowd or a family quickly, plus it is veggie packed so you can serve a healthy entrée and vegetable all in one!

Click here for the recipe——> Healthy Shrimp Enchilada Bake 

Shrimp Enchilada Spaghetti Squash Boats

Want enchiladas but looking for something low carb or a grain free?  Make these fresh shrimp enchilada boats.  (Also make sure you check out my YouTube video on how to make a whole spaghetti squash in the microwave to make this recipe even easier!)

Mu Shu Shrimp

This Mu Shu Shrimp is the perfect busy weeknight meal.  While the original recipe called for rotisserie chicken, I don’t typically have that in my fridge. I do usually have a bag of frozen shrimp, though!  This recipe is made using all prepackaged ingredients (pre-shredded carrots and shredded carrots) and uses only one pan which makes for super easy cleanup. This dish is quicker than any take out you could get and healthier too!

Click here for the recipe——> Mu Shu Shrimp

Shrimp and Black Bean Mexican Lasagna

My shrimp and black bean Mexican lasagna is great because it requires very little grunt work to produce a healthy and delicious meal in no time.  This is by far one of the easiest recipes I have ever made that can feed and satisfy a whole crew in no time.  Simply add your desired layers of deliciousness, don’t forget the shrimp, and bake!

Click here for the recipe——-> Shrimp and Black Bean Mexican Lasagna

Bloody Mary Steak & Shrimp Kebabs

A fun zesty and juicy Bloody Mary themed steak and shrimp kebob for your next backyard cookout! Paleo Friendly (gluten & dairy free)

Hope you enjoyed this post, have a great day!