Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick-cooked shrimp and zucchini stir-fried in avocado oil with garlic, finished with lemon for a refreshing, low-impact meal that avoids common triggers. This asian-inspired whole30 (low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs shrimp, zucchini, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to skillet and stir 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 sliced zucchinis and cook 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet, add 1 sliced lemon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to combine and heat through for 1 minute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-Fry with 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 Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-Fry with 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 Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-Fry with Garlic 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.

Is Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-Fry with 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.

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