Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic, Zucchini, and Cherry Tomatoes
A quick and vibrant stir-fry combining succulent shrimp with fresh zucchini and sweet cherry tomatoes, flavored with garlic and fresh basil for a bright finish. This asian fusion-inspired seafood (whole30, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil 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
- 2 medium, sliced into half-moons about 1/4 inch thick zucchini
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 2 sliced medium zucchinis and sauté for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2 more minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, toss in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and stir for 1 minute until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic, Zucchini, and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic, Zucchini, and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic, Zucchini, and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic, Zucchini, and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Garlic, Zucchini, and Cherry Tomatoes whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
