Can You Eat Shrimp on Carnivore Diet?

It’s no secret that things can get a little mundane on the carnivore diet. Eating chicken and steak daily takes a toll emotionally, as you crave diversity in your carnivore meal prep. One thing a lot of carnivores overlook is there’s a whole animal kingdom in the sea worth exploring!

We’re often asked, can you eat shrimp on carnivore diet? Technically speaking, yes! Seafood is fair game, and shrimp is seafood. Understanding how to cook shrimp on carnivore diet is another story, though, as you don’t want to introduce non-carnivore additives into the equation.

Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through a few of our favorite carnivore shrimp recipes below and share tips on how to make the most of this delicacy on the carnivore diet. You’ll also learn how our carnivore chips can keep cravings at bay between meals. Set yourself up for success today!

Overview of the Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet is exactly what it sounds like: an animal-based way of eating where you cut out all plant foods in favor of meat, fish, eggs, and in some cases, dairy. That means no fruits, vegetables, grains, or legumes.

We know it sounds crazy, as you’ve been led to believe you need color on your plate to be healthy. But that’s not exactly true. In fact, our ancestors thrived on a diet like this, and didn’t deal with many of the modern health complications we do today. 

That’s because plants, despite bringing some good nutrients to your body, also bring along anti-nutrients. These can cause an unhealthy inflammatory response, ultimately causing more harm than good - especially for those with autoimmune or digestive issues.

The core idea is that animal foods provide everything your body needs. Protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. You just have to make sure you’re eating a rich, diverse source of animal foods - like fish, eggs, steak, chicken, organ meats, and sometimes, dairy. 

While the carnivore diet rules are quite strict, you don’t necessarily have to follow them as intended. Some folks stick to beef and salt. Others include eggs, fish, dairy, or even coffee. But across the board, it’s about giving your body fuel from the most bioavailable sources possible.

We have a more detailed guide covering the approved carnivore diet food list. But let’s address the question at hand today - can you eat shrimp on carnivore diet? 

Can You Eat Shrimp on Carnivore Diet?

The shower answer is yes, you can absolutely eat shrimp on the carnivore diet. And for many, it’s a welcome break from heavier meats. Let’s take a closer look at the nuances of eating shrimp on carnivore diet below.

Is Shrimp Carnivore Diet Approved?

Shrimp is 100% carnivore-compliant - at least, in its pure form. It has no sugars, carbs, or problematic plant compounds. 

But there are some caveats here, especially for those following “nose-to-tail” or “lion diet” versions of carnivore. In these instances, only ruminant animals like beef or lamb are encouraged. Shrimp may fall outside of your plan.

That said, shrimp is fair game for the majority of carnivore dieters. After all, not everyone wants to eat ribeyes for every meal. Shrimp gives your palate (and your gut) something a little easier to digest. It can be really beneficial when you’re first transitioning to carnivore.

Health Benefits of Eating Shrimp on Carnivore

Enjoyment aside, there are actually some tangible health benefits to adding carnivore diet shrimp recipes to your regimen. These little sea bugs are actually a nutritional powerhouse with about 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving.

Yet, they’re very low in fat, so they’re a good choice if you’re having trouble balancing your to-protein ratio. It’s also packed with key micronutrients you might not get through more traditional cuts of meat, like:

• Selenium: Supports immune function and thyroid health.
• Iodine: Helps with thyroid hormone production (often an issue on beef-only carnivore).
• Vitamin B12: Encourages energy production and brain health.
• Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant that gives shrimp its pink hue and may help reduce oxidative stress.

One of the biggest concerns with carnivore diet is nutrient gaps, and shrimp helps fill some of these in without stepping outside of the diet’s core rules. But, you need to keep a few things in mind.

Considerations When Eating Shrimp on Carnivore Diet

Can you eat shrimp on carnivore diet? Yes, but be aware that not all shrimp products are created equal. Many packaged or frozen options are pre-seasoned with sugar, starches, or preservatives. 

Always read the label. Or better yet, buy raw shrimp and cook it yourself. You don’t want to sabotage your clean eating with a marinade that includes soy or dextrose.

You should also be mindful of sourcing. Wild-caught shrimp tend to be cleaner and more nutrient-dense than farm-raised. This matters for those trying carnivore to support a healthier inflammatory response, ease autoimmune symptoms, or improve gut health.

And while the low fat content can be a benefit, you need to remember that fat is essential on the carnivore diet. It’s where your energy comes from in the absence of carbs. So, make sure to add some fat elsewhere - like grass-fed butter, ghee, or tallow.

Don’t worry, we’ll share some great carnivore diet shrimp recipes below that feature plenty of fat!

How to Cook Shrimp on Carnivore Diet: Carnivore Diet Shrimp Recipes to Try

Shrimp is one of the fastest, most versatile proteins you can make on the carnivore diet. It really doesn’t take much to turn it into something craveable, either! It absorbs flavor easily and plays well with other carnivore staples like eggs, beef fat, and bone broth.

Here’s how to cook shrimp on carnivore diet a few different ways you can keep your meal planning fresh, fun, and nutritious. Let’s start with one of the most basic carnivore diet shrimp recipes worth trying. 

Pan-Seared Shrimp in Beef Tallow or Ghee

Pan-searing is your go-to for crisp edges and bold flavor. Heat a generous scoop of beef tallow or ghee in a cast-iron skillet, add your peeled shrimp, and sear for 1-2 minutes per side. Sprinkle with sea salt, and serve hot. 

This version is great for meal prep too - cold seared shrimp is just as good the next day!

Grilled Shrimp Skewers With Salt Only

You can also thread shrimp onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, dust with salt, and grill over high heat for something smoky and satisfying. They’ll take less than 5 minutes to cook.

Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a protein-packed snack. No lemon or marinades - just shrimp, salt, and fire. It’s delicious every time!

Boiled Shrimp With Bone Broth For Added Minerals

Boiling shrimp in salted water works, but using bone broth levels it up. The shrimp absorbs some of the broth’s richness, and you get a two-in-one: juicy shrimp and a sip-able, mineral-rich broth.

Use beef or pork bone broth for a heartier flavor. Add a knob of butter or tallow to boost the fat content. Try our carnivore bone broth recipe if you’ve never made it before. 

Shrimp Fried in Beef Fat With Crispy Pork Bits

This is a classic carnivore surf-and-turf. Heat beef fat until hot, toss in your shrimp, and cook until golden. Add pre-crisped pork belly pieces or chopped bacon toward the end for texture. It’s indulgent, salty, crunchy, and deeply satisfying.

Shrimp-Stuffed Eggs (Deviled Without the Mustard)

Wait, can you eat eggs on the carnivore diet? Absolutely! They’re a superfood staple on this regimen. 

Hard boil some eggs, slice in half, and mix the yolks with minced boiled shrimp and a touch of melted ghee or bacon grease. Pipe the mixture back into the egg whites for a carnivore-style deviled egg. You don’t even need mustard or spices! Great for a carnivore diet snack.

Shrimp and Beef Tallow Soup

This is comfort food without compromise. Simmer shrimp in beef broth or bone broth with a spoonful of tallow or suet until cooked through. 

Add in some shredded beef or oxtail if you want a heavier meal. The broth becomes rich and satisfying, and the shrimp gives it a subtle briny kick.

Closing Thoughts on Carnivore Diet Shrimp

So, can you eat shrimp on carnivore diet? In closing, yes - it’s high in protein, low in carbs, and loaded with nutrients like iodine, selenium, and B12. It’s also incredibly versatile, pairing well with fats like beef tallow or ghee for satisfying meals that don’t break the rules.

rules. Whether you’re boiling it in bone broth, pan-searing it in bacon grease, or folding it into deviled eggs, shrimp adds flavor and variety to a routine that can sometimes feel repetitive.

Some of these carnivore diet shrimp recipes are actually our favorite low-calorie high protein snacks! Speaking of snacks, though, you’ll also want to keep our meat chips on hand for whenever cravings strike.

These are like meat pastries because they start out with a delightful, airy, crispy texture before melting in your mouth, as the tantalizing flavors surge throughout your taste buds. From our ribeye chips to steak chips, lamb chips, and brisket chips, we have something for everyone.

The best part? They’re a guilt-free indulgence with just two ingredients: regeneratively-raised meat and salt. That’s it. Perfect for on-the-go fuel or meal replacement. Get the #1 high-fat low-carb snacks at Carnivore Snax today and see what the hype is all about!