Zucchini and Shrimp Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

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

A vibrant, zesty stir-fry combining crisp zucchini, succulent shrimp, and a creamy peanut sauce for a balanced, satisfying meal. This Asian recipe (vegan-friendly), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs zucchini, shrimp, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 medium zucchini cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender, stirring frequently.
  2. Step 2: Push zucchini to the edges of the pan. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until shells turn pink and flesh is opaque. Season with 1/2 tsp chili flakes.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1/4 cup coconut milk, and 1 lime juice. Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the shrimp and zucchini. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Zucchini and Shrimp Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini and Shrimp Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce?

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 Zucchini and Shrimp Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce 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 Zucchini and Shrimp Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce vegan-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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