Garlic-Pepper Shrimp with Lemon Zest
Quick-cooked shrimp with aromatic garlic and bright lemon, ready in under 15 minutes. This seafood-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 13 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, avocado oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp zest lemon
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 8 oz shrimp dry with paper towels; season with 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking undisturbed for 1 minute until edges turn pink.
- Step 5: Flip shrimp, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp chopped parsley, and cook for 1 more minute until shrimp are opaque and firm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Pepper Shrimp with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 13 minutes (7 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Garlic-Pepper Shrimp with Lemon Zest?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep avocado oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Pepper Shrimp with Lemon Zest?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Garlic-Pepper Shrimp with Lemon Zest for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Garlic-Pepper Shrimp with Lemon Zest low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 6-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
