High-Protein Keto Shrimp Stuffed Jalapeños
Jalapeño halves filled with cheese and topped with seared shrimp — ready in 30 minutes
These high-protein keto shrimp stuffed jalapeños bake a cream-cheese filling in the pepper, then get a seared shrimp on top, the same tray in the photo. Two halves have 18 g of protein and 4 g net carbs.
Low carb, sugar-free, and no breading.
Why you’ll love these jalapeños
- 18g protein per 2 halves
- 4g net carbs
- Shrimp on a cheese filling
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- No breading
- Sugar-free
Health notes
- High protein: Shrimp plus a little cheese.
- Low carb: No crumb coating.
- Sugar-free: No sweet glaze.
- Keto-friendly: Two halves stay around 4g net carbs.
Key element — shrimp goes on at the end
Shrimp baked for the full time turns rubbery. Sear it, then set it on the melted filling for the last few minutes.
Ingredients
Jalapeños (8 halves, 4 servings)
- 4 large jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan
- 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped parsley, to finish
Swaps
- Milder: Scrape out the white ribs, not just the seeds.
- Bacon: A little cooked bacon in the filling. Count the fat extra.
- Air fryer: 375°F for 8 minutes, then add the shrimp for 3.
- No shrimp: It becomes a cheese popper and protein drops.
Instructions
| 1 | Heat the oven. Heat to 400°F (200°C). Halve the jalapeños and scrape out the seeds. Set them cut-side up on a lined tray. |
| 2 | Fill. Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spoon it into the halves. |
| 3 | Bake the peppers. Bake 10 minutes until the filling is soft and the edges blister. |
| 4 | Sear the shrimp. Toss shrimp with oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear 1 minute a side until just pink. Set one on each half. Broil 1–2 minutes. Finish with parsley. Two halves is one serving. |
Pro tips
- Gloves help. Jalapeño oil stays on your hands.
- Pat the shrimp dry or they steam instead of sear.
- Do not cook the shrimp with the peppers from the start.
- A short broil gives the browned tops in the photo.
- Macros are per 2 halves, 4 servings from 8 halves.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per 2 halves |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Net carbohydrates | 4g |
| Total carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total fat | 14g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Estimates based on jalapeños, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and shrimp, per 2 halves. A rice side is not included.
Variations
Garlic butter
Brush the seared shrimp with a little melted garlic butter.
Smoked paprika
Swap the regular paprika for smoked.
Extra heat
Leave a few seeds in the filling.
Party tray
Double the batch. Bake in two trays so they brown evenly.
Storage
| Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Shrimp is best the day it is cooked |
| Freezer | Not ideal | The filling weeps and the shrimp toughens |
| Reheat | 4–5 min | 350°F, do not microwave the shrimp long |
FAQ
Test your knowledge
5 quick questions about these stuffed jalapeños
1. Protein per 2 halves?
2. Net carbs per 2 halves?
3. When does the shrimp go on?
4. About how long does this take?
5. What is one serving?
