Lemon-Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons
Tender shrimp marinated in lemon and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with fresh zucchini ribbons for a light summer meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 31 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, plus 1 tbsp for zucchini extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2, sliced into ribbons with a vegetable peeler medium zucchini
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers, discarding excess marinade.
- Step 3: Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque with slight char marks. Remove from heat and let rest.
- Step 4: While shrimp cooks, toss 2 medium zucchini ribbons with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Serve the grilled shrimp over the zucchini ribbons and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons take to make?
Total time is about 31 minutes (25 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 Lemon-Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons?
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 fresh lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons?
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 Lemon-Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Zucchini Ribbons?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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