This healthy breaded shrimp recipe is a delightful option for those looking to enjoy a crispy, flavorful dish without the excess calories. Perfectly seasoned and baked to a golden brown, these shrimp are easy to prepare and make a great addition to any meal.
One ingredient you might not commonly have at home is egg substitute, which is a convenient option for those looking to reduce cholesterol intake. Additionally, whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and panko may not be in every pantry but can be easily found in the baking or international aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Healthy Breaded Shrimp Recipe
jumbo shrimp: Large, meaty shrimp that form the base of this dish, providing a succulent seafood flavor.
salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
egg substitute: Used to coat the shrimp before breading; a healthier alternative to whole eggs.
whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy texture and Italian seasoning to the shrimp.
panko: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that provide extra crispiness to the coating.
grated parmesan cheese: Infuses a rich, nutty flavor into the breading.
cooking spray: Used to lightly coat the baking sheet and the top of the shrimp to achieve a golden-brown finish.
One reader, Cosmo Atwell says:
This healthy breaded shrimp recipe is fantastic! The shrimp turned out crispy and flavorful without the guilt. The combination of whole wheat breadcrumbs and parmesan is perfect. Quick and easy to make, it's now a staple in my kitchen. Highly recommend!
Essential Techniques for Making Healthy Breaded Shrimp
How to wash and dry shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels. How to season shrimp: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the shrimp to enhance their flavor. How to coat shrimp with egg substitute: Dip the shrimp into the egg substitute, ensuring they are fully covered. How to coat shrimp with breadcrumbs: Press the shrimp into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they are evenly coated. How to spray cooking spray: Hold the cooking spray can about 6-8 inches away from the baking sheet and spray evenly to prevent sticking. How to bake shrimp: Place the shrimp on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees F for the specified time. How to turn shrimp: Use tongs or a spatula to flip the shrimp halfway through the baking process for even cooking.
How To Make Healthy Breaded Shrimp
Have a healthy meal with this breaded shrimp dish made crunchy with Panko breadcrumbs. This is a healthier version because it uses an egg substitute.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 16ozjumbo shrimp,(weight after peeling 12.5 oz), peeled and deveined
- salt and pepper,to taste
- ¼cupegg substitute,egg beaters
- 6tbspwhole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2tbsppanko
- 2tbspgrated parmesan cheese
- cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
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Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
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Put the egg beaters in one bowl, and the breadcrumbs, panko and parmesan cheese in another.
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Wash and dry the shrimp.
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Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then put a few at a time in the bowl with the egg beaters to coat.
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Put a few pieces of shrimp at a time into the breadcrumb mixture to coat, then on a baking sheet.
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Once all the shrimp is breaded, if you still have crumbs left, re-dip the shrimp back into the egg beaters and then back into crumbs and back onto the baking sheet.
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Spray the top of the shrimp generously with baking spray then bake in the middle rack for about 6-7 minutes.
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Turn shrimp over then cook another 3 minutes or until cooked though.
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Remove from oven and serve right away with lemon wedges.
Nutrition
- Calories: 191.24kcal
- Fat: 4.43g
- Saturated Fat: 1.28g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.60g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.99g
- Carbohydrates: 18.45g
- Fiber: 0.62g
- Sugar: 0.73g
- Protein: 18.67g
- Cholesterol: 146.04mg
- Sodium: 793.78mg
- Calcium: 340.52mg
- Potassium: 157.76mg
- Iron: 0.83mg
- Vitamin A: 70.97µg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Breaded Shrimp
For an extra crispy texture, try double-coating the shrimp. After the initial breading, let the shrimp rest for a few minutes to allow the coating to set, then dip them back into the egg substitute and breadcrumb mixture before baking. This will create a thicker, crunchier crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Breaded Shrimp
Prepare ingredients ahead: Wash, dry, and season the shrimp in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-made breadcrumbs: Opt for whole wheat italian seasoned breadcrumbs and panko that are ready to use, saving you the time of making your own.
Efficient coating: Set up a coating station with bowls for egg substitute and breadcrumb mixture to make the process quicker.
Batch processing: Coat multiple shrimp at once instead of one by one to speed up preparation.
Quick baking: Preheat the oven and use a baking sheet to ensure even cooking and reduce overall time.
Substitute Ingredients For Healthy Breaded Shrimp Recipe
jumbo shrimp - Substitute with large shrimp: Large shrimp can be used if jumbo shrimp are not available, maintaining a similar texture and flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different, often more nuanced flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder taste and can be less visually noticeable in the dish.
egg substitute - Substitute with egg whites: Egg whites are a healthy alternative, providing similar binding properties without added fat.
whole wheat italian seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with oat flour: Oat flour can be a gluten-free option and adds a different texture while still providing a healthy coating.
panko - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can provide a similar crunch and are often gluten-free.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is a vegan alternative with added nutritional benefits.
cooking spray - Substitute with olive oil spray: Olive oil spray can provide a healthier fat option and adds a subtle flavor.
Best Ways to Present Breaded Shrimp
Serve smaller portion sizes: Arrange jumbo shrimp in a neat line or circle on a pristine white plate, ensuring each piece is evenly spaced to highlight its golden, crispy coating.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a few sprigs of fresh parsley and thin slices of lemon wedges to add a pop of color and freshness.
Add a dipping sauce: Serve a small ramekin of homemade garlic aioli or a tangy cocktail sauce on the side to complement the flavors of the breaded shrimp.
Create height: Stack the shrimp in a slight pyramid shape to add visual interest and dimension to the plate.
Drizzle with sauce: Lightly drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or a reduction of balsamic vinegar around the plate for an elegant touch.
Use microgreens: Sprinkle a few microgreens over the shrimp for a touch of sophistication and a hint of earthy flavor.
Incorporate texture: Add a small side of quinoa salad or wild rice to provide a contrasting texture and make the dish more substantial.
Highlight the crust: Ensure the whole wheat italian seasoned breadcrumbs and panko crust is visible and crispy, showcasing the care taken in preparation.
Balance the plate: Place the shrimp slightly off-center, with the garnishes and dipping sauce arranged artfully around it to create a balanced and visually appealing presentation.
Finish with a touch of elegance: Lightly dust the plate with a pinch of paprika or smoked sea salt for an added layer of flavor and a final touch of refinement.
Essential Tools for Making Breaded Shrimp
Oven: Used to bake the shrimp at a high temperature to ensure they are cooked through and crispy.
Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to arrange the breaded shrimp for baking.
Cooking spray: Helps to prevent the shrimp from sticking to the baking sheet and adds a bit of crispiness.
Mixing bowl: Used to hold the egg substitute and the breadcrumb mixture separately for coating the shrimp.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like breadcrumbs, panko, and parmesan cheese.
Tongs: Useful for handling the shrimp when dipping them into the egg substitute and breadcrumb mixture.
Paper towels: Used to dry the shrimp after washing them to ensure the coating sticks properly.
Lemon wedges: Optional, but used for serving to add a fresh, tangy flavor to the shrimp.
Knife: Used to cut the lemon into wedges for serving.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the lemon into wedges.
Storing and Freezing Breaded Shrimp
Let the breaded shrimp cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the breaded shrimp, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen breaded shrimp can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, remove the desired amount of shrimp from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat the breaded shrimp, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat the shrimp in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
For best results, consume the reheated breaded shrimp immediately to ensure they maintain their crispy texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving the shrimp, as this may cause them to become soggy and lose their crunchy exterior.
How to Reheat Leftover Breaded Shrimp
To reheat leftover breaded shrimp, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the breading is crispy again. This method helps to retain the texture and flavor of the breaded shrimp.
Another option is to use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the breaded shrimp in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the shrimp are hot and the breading is crispy. The air fryer is an excellent choice for reheating breaded shrimp as it helps to maintain the crispy exterior.
If you're short on time, you can also reheat the breaded shrimp in the microwave. Place the shrimp on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until they're warmed through. However, keep in mind that the breading may become slightly soggy when using this method.
For a quick and easy way to reheat and add extra flavor to your leftover breaded shrimp, try sautéing them in a pan with a little olive oil or butter. Heat the oil or butter over medium heat, then add the shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp are heated through and the breading is crispy. This method allows you to customize the flavor by adding herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Interesting Fact About Breaded Shrimp
A random fact about this recipe is that using panko breadcrumbs adds a light and crispy texture to the shrimp, making them feel indulgent while still being a healthier option compared to traditional deep-fried breaded shrimp.
Is Making Breaded Shrimp at Home Cost-Effective?
This healthy breaded shrimp recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like jumbo shrimp, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese are affordable and easily accessible. The use of egg substitute and panko adds a nutritious twist without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $15-$20.
Is This Shrimp Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This healthy breaded shrimp recipe is a nutritious and delicious option for those looking to enjoy a classic dish without compromising their health goals. Here's why:
- Lean protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as maintaining a healthy metabolism.
- Whole grain breadcrumbs: The use of whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and panko provides a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Low-fat cooking method: By baking the shrimp instead of frying, you significantly reduce the amount of unhealthy fats and calories in the dish.
- Nutrient-dense ingredients: The addition of grated Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also provides a good source of calcium and protein.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a higher proportion of whole wheat breadcrumbs to panko for added fiber and nutrients.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive salt or fat.
- Serve the shrimp alongside a colorful salad or roasted vegetables to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal.
- Replace the egg substitute with beaten egg whites to reduce the cholesterol content while still achieving a crispy coating.
By incorporating these minor adjustments, you can elevate this already healthy breaded shrimp recipe to an even more nutritious and satisfying dish that you can feel good about serving to your family and friends.
Editor's Opinion on This Healthy Shrimp Recipe
This healthy breaded shrimp recipe is a delightful balance of flavor and nutrition. The use of whole wheat breadcrumbs and panko provides a satisfying crunch, while the parmesan adds a savory depth. Baking instead of frying keeps the dish light and health-conscious. The egg substitute is a smart choice for reducing cholesterol. Overall, it's a simple yet elegant dish that can be prepared quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a zesty finish.
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Why trust this Healthy Breaded Shrimp Recipe:
This healthy breaded shrimp recipe is a perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs and panko ensures a crispy texture without the extra calories. The addition of parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, while the egg substitute keeps it light. Baking at a high temperature ensures the shrimp are cooked to perfection, retaining their natural juiciness. This method is not only healthier but also incredibly easy to follow, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. Trust this recipe for a delicious, guilt-free meal.
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