Having yogurt with shrimp is perfectly fine and can make for a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Yogurt contains probiotics that support gut health and shrimp provides lean protein, making them nutritious ingredients to pair together. While an unconventional pairing, yogurt and shrimp can work well in the right recipe.
Is it safe to eat yogurt and shrimp together?
Yes, it is completely safe to consume yogurt and shrimp together. There are no safety issues or health risks associated with eating yogurt and shrimp in the same meal or recipe.
Shrimp and yogurt come from very different sources. Shrimp is a seafood while yogurt is a dairy product made from milk. However, they do not contain ingredients or compounds that interact negatively or cause issues when consumed together.
Both yogurt and fully cooked shrimp are low-risk foods when handled properly. As long as the shrimp are fresh and properly cooked and the yogurt hasn’t expired and hasn’t been left unrefrigerated too long, they can be safely paired and eaten.
Do shrimp and yogurt go well together taste-wise?
While it may seem like an unorthodox combination, shrimp and yogurt can complement each other nicely when used in the right dishes. The creamy tang of yogurt pairs well with the sweet, briny flavor of shrimp.
Here are some ways that yogurt and shrimp can be tasty together:
- Mixing yogurt with spices and herbs like dill, lemon, garlic, and black pepper to make a yogurt sauce or dip for shrimp
- Serving shrimp with a yogurt-based raita, tzatziki or creamy dill sauce
- Adding shrimp to yogurt-based salad dressings or chilled yogurt soups like dahi
- Marinating shrimp briefly in a yogurt-based marinade before grilling or baking
- Using yogurt as the base for shrimp kebabs or shrimp skewers
The creamy, tangy yogurt helps balance out the natural sweetness of the shrimp. When complementary seasonings and flavors are added, the pairing of yogurt and shrimp can be quite pleasant.
What recipes combine shrimp and yogurt?
Here are some tasty recipes that showcase shrimp and yogurt together:
Tzatziki Shrimp Pitas
Grilled shrimp is combined with creamy tzatziki sauce, made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, lemon, and dill, and served in warm pita bread pockets. The cool tzatziki sauce complements the hot shrimp beautifully.
Shrimp Curry with Yogurt
In this Indian-inspired dish, shrimp are simmered in a creamy, mildly spicy coconut curry sauce that’s enriched with yogurt. The yogurt helps balance out the spices and thicken the curry.
Grilled Shrimp and Peach Kebabs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce
Shrimp and peaches are threaded onto skewers, grilled, and served with a honey-yogurt dip. The sweet and smoky grilled shrimp and peaches pair wonderfully with the cool, subtly sweet dipping sauce.
Cajun Shrimp and Sausage with Yogurt Remoulade
Spicy, blackened shrimp and sausage are served over dirty rice and drizzled with a zesty yogurt-based remoulade sauce. The remoulade cools off the heat of the other ingredients.
Shrimp Naan Pizza with Yogurt-Pesto Sauce
Naan bread is topped like a pizza with grilled shrimp, tomatoes, cheese and a creamy yogurt-based pesto-like sauce. The cool, herby sauce balances the hot pizza beautifully.
Nutrition benefits of eating yogurt with shrimp
Eating yogurt and shrimp together can provide an array of nutritional benefits, making them a healthy pairing.
Here are some of the key nutrients obtained when consuming yogurt with shrimp:
- Protein – The combination provides high-quality, filling protein from both the yogurt and shrimp.
- Vitamin B12 – Shrimp is one of the best sources of vitamin B12, which supports red blood cell formation.
- Iodine – Shrimp provides iodine, which regulates metabolism and thyroid function.
- Calcium – Yogurt is rich in calcium, which strengthens bones.
- Probiotics – The live cultures in yogurt benefit gut and immune health.
- Selenium – Shrimp contains selenium, an important antioxidant mineral.
Additionally, both shrimp and yogurt are low in calories and fat, making this combination appropriate for weight management or heart health. The yogurt also provides hydration.
Conclusion
Yogurt and shrimp may seem like an unlikely pairing, but they can actually complement each other extremely well. The creamy, cool yogurt balances out the sweet, briny shrimp beautifully. When used in marinades, dips, curries, kebabs, and other recipes, this duo can provide delicious flavors and textures. Additionally, yogurt and shrimp offer a nutritious combination of protein, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals. So don’t be afraid to get creative and try out recipes with yogurt and shrimp!
