Are you a fan of seafood? If so, you might have tried various kinds of shrimp dishes, and one of them is Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp. This appetizer or snack dish is made of small, bite-sized breaded shrimp that are seasoned with spicy buffalo sauce. If you're wondering about its nutritional values, 15 shrimp (85 g) Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp contains 230 calories.

In addition to its calorie count, Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp also contains carbohydrates, protein, fat, cholesterol, and sodium. For 15 shrimp serving, it has around 19 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 90 milligrams of cholesterol, and 780 milligrams of sodium.

But, shrimp is not just about its macronutrients. It also offers some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for supporting your body's metabolism, immune system, and overall health. If you're interested in learning more about the benefits of shrimp, keep reading this article.

Calories in 15 shrimp

As previously mentioned, 15 shrimp (85 g) Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp contains 230 calories. This calorie count may vary depending on the recipe and the serving size, so it's always good to read the nutritional labels or ask the chef. If you're watching your calorie intake, you can try to limit your portion or pair it with a low-calorie side dish.

Carbohydrates in Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp

Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp also contains carbohydrates, which provide energy for your body. For 15 shrimp serving, it has around 19 grams of carbohydrates, which mostly come from the breading and the buffalo sauce. If you're counting your carbs, you can opt for a lower-carb variant by using almond flour or coconut flour for the breading and a sugar-free buffalo sauce.

Protein in 15 shrimp

Shrimp is known to be a good source of protein, which helps build and repair your muscles, organs, and tissues. For 15 shrimp serving, Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp has around 12 grams of protein, which is more than 20% of the daily value for an adult. If you're looking to boost your protein intake, you can pair it with a protein-rich side dish such as broccoli or quinoa.

Fat in Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp

Similar to other deep-fried or breaded dishes, Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp contains fat, which provides flavor and texture but also calories. For 15 shrimp serving, it has around 9 grams of fat, which mostly come from the frying oil and the breading ingredients. If you're on a low-fat diet, you can try to oven-bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying it.

Cholesterol in 15 shrimp

Shrimp is high in cholesterol, which is a type of fat that can clog your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease if consumed in excess. For 15 shrimp serving, Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp has around 90 milligrams of cholesterol, which is more than 30% of the daily value. If you have a history of high cholesterol or heart problems, you should limit your shrimp intake or choose other seafood that are lower in cholesterol such as salmon or tilapia.

Sodium in Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp

Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp also contains sodium, which is a mineral that regulates your body's fluid balance and nerve function but can also raise your blood pressure if consumed in excess. For 15 shrimp serving, it has around 780 milligrams of sodium, which is more than 30% of the daily value. If you're watching your sodium intake, you can choose a low-sodium variant of the buffalo sauce or skip the extra salt.

Vitamins and minerals in 15 shrimp

Apart from its macronutrients, shrimp also contains some micronutrients that are important for your health. For example, 15 shrimp serving of Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp contains around 6 micrograms of vitamin B12, which is more than 100% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of your nervous system. Shrimp also contains phosphorus, which supports your bone and teeth health, as well as selenium and zinc, which have antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.

Health benefits of shrimp

Eating shrimp in moderation can provide various health benefits, such as improving your brain function, reducing your inflammation, and supporting your heart health. Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for your brain and nerve cells, as well as astaxanthin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Shrimp also contains iodine, which is important for your thyroid gland function, and taurine, which supports your heart and eye health.

How to cook Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp

If you want to try making your own Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp, here's how to do it. First, rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Then, mix some flour or cornmeal with your preferred spices, such as cayenne, garlic, or paprika. Dip the shrimp into whisked egg or milk, and coat them with the flour mixture. Heat some oil in a pan, and fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until they're golden brown. Drain the excess oil, and toss the shrimp with the buffalo sauce. Serve hot with some celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.

Alternatives to Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp

If you're looking for some variations or alternatives to Buffalo Style Popcorn Shrimp, here are some ideas. You can try making shrimp scampi, which is sautéed shrimp with garlic, butter, and lemon juice. You can also make coconut shrimp, which is breaded shrimp with shredded coconut and mango dipping sauce. If you want a low-carb option, you can make shrimp zoodles, which is zucchini noodles with tomato sauce and grilled shrimp on top. Whatever you choose, make sure to enjoy it with moderation and balance it with a healthy diet and lifestyle.