Lemon-Garlic Sizzling Shrimp with Zucchini
Bright, tender shrimp sizzled with garlic and lemon, served atop lightly charred zucchini for a vibrant, herbaceous meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs ounces shrimp, tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 352 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 12 ounces shrimp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, juiced and zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons zucchini
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 12 ounces shrimp, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp turn pink.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Squeeze 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the shrimp and zucchini, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute until flavors meld and shrimp are fully opaque.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Sizzling Shrimp with Zucchini take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Sizzling Shrimp with Zucchini?
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 ounces shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Sizzling Shrimp with Zucchini?
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 Sizzling Shrimp with Zucchini for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sizzling Shrimp with Zucchini?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the bright lemon and garlic flavors! Made it for date night and my partner devoured it.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The zucchini added a nice touch without overpowering the shrimp.
- ★★★★☆
The shrimp was a bit bland, but the zucchini was great.
