Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Ribbons and Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.0 (9 ratings) Prep: 12 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 240 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Thinly slice zucchini lengthwise using a vegetable peeler to create ribbons; set aside. Mince garlic finely.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

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