Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Ribbons and Garlic
Plump shrimp cook quickly in a garlic-infused oil, perfectly paired with delicate zucchini ribbons for a vibrant, protein-packed meal. This mexican-inspired whole30 (low-carb) ready in about 17 minutes pairs shrimp, medium zucchini, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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
- 8 oz shrimp
- 2 medium zucchini
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Thinly slice zucchini lengthwise using a vegetable peeler to create ribbons; set aside. Mince garlic finely.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, sea salt, and black pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Add zucchini ribbons and minced garlic to skillet, tossing constantly for 2-3 minutes until zucchini is tender-crisp. Squeeze lime juice over top and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Remove from heat immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Ribbons and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (12 min prep + 5 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Ribbons and Garlic?
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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Ribbons and Garlic?
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 Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Ribbons and Garlic 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.
Is Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Ribbons and Garlic 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.