If you’re following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), you know how important it is to find flavorful and satisfying meals that won’t trigger your symptoms.
Shrimp is one of my all-time favorite AIP ingredients. It’s incredibly versatile, cooks up in minutes, and is packed with nutrients that support a healthy immune system.
I love experimenting with different AIP shrimp recipes – from quick and easy weeknight meals to showstopper dishes that are perfect for entertaining.
In this article, I’ll share some of my absolute favorites, and offer tips on making AIP shrimp a staple in your kitchen.
[toc]
Key Takeaways
- Shrimp is a delicious and nutritious protein that fits perfectly into the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet.
- AIP cooking emphasizes fresh, whole ingredients and avoids common triggers like grains, dairy, and nightshades.
- There are tons of delicious ways to prepare AIP shrimp, from simple bowls to gourmet-inspired dishes.
Benefits of Shrimp on the AIP Diet
Shrimp is a fantastic choice for anyone following AIP for several reasons:
- High in Protein: A 3-ounce serving of shrimp provides about 20 grams of protein, helping with muscle building and keeping you feeling full.
- Rich in Omega-3s: These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, important for managing autoimmune conditions.
- Packed with Vitamins & Minerals: Shrimp is a source of selenium, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients your body needs.
Best Types of Shrimp for AIP
Whenever possible, choose wild-caught shrimp. This ensures the healthiest option and the most natural flavor. Also, look for sustainably sourced shrimp to support eco-friendly practices. When it comes to size, medium or large shrimp are the most versatile for different recipes.
How to Choose Fresh Shrimp
Here’s how to know you’re getting the freshest shrimp:
- Appearance: Look for firm, translucent shrimp with no signs of discoloration.
- Smell: Fresh shrimp have a very mild, slightly salty smell (avoid anything strong or fishy).
- Source: If possible, choose shrimp from a reputable fishmonger who emphasizes sustainability.
AIP Shrimp Recipes
The beauty of shrimp lies in how adaptable it is. Here are a few of my favorite AIP shrimp recipes to get you started:
AIP Honey Lime Shrimp Bowls
These bowls are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. They’re bursting with fresh flavors, can be customized with your favorite AIP-friendly veggies, and come together in no time.
AIP Shrimp Recipes Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wild-caught shrimp, peeled & deveined | 1 lb |
| Honey | 1/3 cup |
| Coconut aminos | 1/4 cup |
| Minced fresh ginger | 1 tbsp |
| Lime juice and zest | From 1 lime |
| Olive oil | As needed for cooking |
| Sea salt | To taste |
| Favorite AIP-compliant veggies | Vary as desired (cauliflower rice, broccoli, etc.) |
AIP Shrimp Recipes Instructions
- Mix honey, coconut aminos, ginger, lime juice, and zest.
- Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan. Sauté shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, just until cooked through.
- Assemble your bowls with a base of veggies, top with shrimp, and drizzle with the remaining marinade.
Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers Over Ginger Spiced Sweet Potato Rice
This dish is a little fancier, but still easy enough for a weeknight. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is out of this world!
Garlic Grilled Shrimp Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wild-caught Shrimp | 1 lb | Peeled and Deveined |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp | |
| Sea Salt | To taste | |
| Black Pepper | To taste | |
| Ground Ginger | 1 tsp | |
| Sweet Potato | 1 large | Peeled and Diced |
| Coconut Oil | As needed | For cooking |
Garlic Grilled Shrimp Instructions
- Thread shrimp onto skewers. Toss with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate pan, heat some coconut oil and sauté sweet potato with ginger until tender.
- Grill shrimp skewers over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve shrimp skewers over the ginger-spiced sweet potato rice.
Shrimp Scampi (AIP-Adapted)
Shrimp scampi is a classic, but the traditional recipe is not AIP-friendly. Luckily, with a few clever substitutions, you can still enjoy the garlicky, lemony goodness!
Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wild-caught shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb | |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup | |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | |
| Lemon juice | 1/4 cup | Freshly squeezed is best |
| Dry white wine | 1/4 cup | Or use AIP-friendly broth |
| Coconut milk | 1/4 cup | |
| Nutritional yeast | 2 tbsp | |
| Arrowroot starch | 1 tbsp | |
| Sea salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste | |
| Chopped fresh parsley | Optional | For garnish |
Shrimp Scampi Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add garlic and sauté briefly, being careful not to burn it.
- Add shrimp, lemon juice, and white wine (or broth). Cook until shrimp are pink.
- In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and arrowroot starch.
- Pour the coconut milk mixture into the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or an AIP-compliant pasta alternative.
Bang Bang Shrimp (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)
This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect if you’re craving something a bit more indulgent. The AIP bang bang sauce is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy – irresistible!
Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients (For the Shrimp)
Shrimp:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wild-caught shrimp | 1 lb | Peeled and deveined |
| Arrowroot starch | 1/4 cup | For coating |
| Coconut oil | For frying | As needed |
AIP Bang Bang Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut cream | 1/4 cup | |
| AIP-compliant hot sauce | 1 tbsp | Check ingredients carefully |
| Honey | 1 tbsp | |
| Coconut aminos | 1 tsp | |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
Bang Bang Shrimp Instructions
- Toss shrimp with arrowroot starch until lightly coated.
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet. Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the shrimp cooks, whisk together all bang bang sauce ingredients.
- Toss cooked shrimp with the sauce. Serve immediately with your favorite AIP sides.
Table comparing more AIP shrimp recipe ideas
| Recipe Name | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp & Veggie Stir-Fry | Shrimp, AIP-friendly veggies, coconut aminos, ginger | Savory, Customizable | Easy |
| Coconut Shrimp Curry | Shrimp, coconut milk, curry paste, veggies | Warm, Aromatic | Medium |
| Lemon Herb Shrimp Salad | Shrimp, lettuce, herbs, lemon vinaigrette | Fresh, Light | Easy |
| Shrimp Fajitas (use AIP tortillas) | Shrimp, bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning | Spicy, Satisfying | Medium |
Tips for Cooking AIP Shrimp
- Don’t Overcook It! Shrimp cooks very quickly. Watch for it to turn pink and opaque – that’s when it’s done.
- Experiment with Textures: Try sautéing, grilling, roasting, or even air-frying for different results.
- Flavor Boost: Marinades, spices, and fresh herbs are your friends – play around!
Serving Suggestions for AIP Shrimp Dishes
Here are some side dish ideas to complement your AIP shrimp recipes:
- Veggie Options: Cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, salads, zucchini noodles
- Starchy Alternatives: Sweet potato fries, mashed plantains
- Creative Ideas: Avocado salsa, mango salsa, fruit-infused salads for a sweet-savory combo
FAQs
Is all shrimp AIP-compliant?
Generally, yes! Plain, fresh, or frozen shrimp is perfectly fine on AIP. However, always double-check pre-cooked or seasoned shrimp. Some may contain non-compliant additives like sugar or other fillers.
What are the best AIP-friendly substitutes for [non-compliant ingredient]?
This depends entirely on the ingredients. Here are some common swaps:
Butter: Use ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil.
Breadcrumbs: Try crushed AIP crackers, almond flour, or coconut flour.
Wheat Flour: Arrowroot starch, tapioca starch, or coconut flour work well.
Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos are a fantastic substitute.
How long does cooked AIP shrimp last in the fridge?
Cooked shrimp stays good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze AIP shrimp dishes?
Absolutely! Many AIP shrimp dishes freeze beautifully. Portion them into meal-sized containers and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Where can I find more AIP shrimp recipes?
There are countless resources available! A few of my favorite places to find reliable AIP recipes include:
AIP Blogs: Many AIP-focused blogs have entire sections dedicated to seafood recipes. Search for “AIP shrimp blog” for inspiration.
Pinterest: Pinterest is a treasure trove of visually appealing recipes.
AIP Cookbooks: Investing in a quality AIP cookbook gives you a reliable collection of well-tested recipes.
AIP Shrimp Recipes Conclusion
Shrimp opens up a world of delicious, healthy possibilities on the AIP Shrimp recipes diet. Whether you’re craving a quick and easy meal or something a little more special, there’s an AIP shrimp recipe out there for you.
Don’t be afraid to get creative, experiment with flavors, and most importantly – have fun in the kitchen! With shrimp on your side, you’re sure to discover new AIP favorites in no time.