This Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini dish is quick, tasty, and healthy! Juicy shrimp are cooked with fresh garlic and tender zucchini, making a lovely combo. It’s perfect for dinner!
Honestly, the smell of garlic while cooking is enough to make anyone hungry! I always serve this with some rice to soak up the delicious juices. It’s a family favorite for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp give a nice bite and cook quickly. If you’re allergic, feel free to swap in firm tofu or your favorite fish. They might not match the flavor exactly, but they can still create a delicious dish!
Zucchini: I love using zucchini because it’s low-carb and absorbs flavors well. You can substitute with yellow squash, asparagus, or bell peppers if zucchini isn’t available.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the most flavor, but if you’re out, garlic powder can be used. I’d recommend about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for this recipe.
Butter: While I enjoy the richness butter adds, you can use an additional tablespoon of olive oil or a dairy-free option if you’re vegan.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp just right can be tricky! They cook quickly, so you want to keep an eye on them. Start with a hot skillet to get that nice sear.
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to help achieve a better texture.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a lovely pink. Overcooking can make them rubbery!
- Have a separate plate ready to set cooked shrimp aside while you continue with the zucchini.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Zucchini?
Zucchini can overcook easily, so you want them to keep some crispness. Here’s how to do that.
- Slice the zucchini thinly or spiralize it for a fun texture.
- Cook in the same skillet after removing the shrimp. The leftover flavors from the shrimp will enhance the dish!
- Stir occasionally for even cooking and remove them from heat once they begin to soften but still have a bit of a bite.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp With Zucchini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced or spiralized
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and tasty Garlic Shrimp With Zucchini will take around 25 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and seasoning the ingredients, and another 15 minutes cooking. It’s simple and efficient!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cool water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook better. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy—these flavors will enhance the shrimp!
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil’s hot but not smoking—this will really help to sear the shrimp nicely.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn a lovely pink color and are cooked through. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter has melted, toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This step adds amazing flavor!
5. Cook the Zucchini:
Now it’s time to add the zucchini slices. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but still crisp. You want them to have a nice bite, so keep an eye on them!
6. Combine and Heat Together:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the zucchini and garlic mixture. Stir everything together gently to combine, cooking for an additional minute so the flavors blend beautifully.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and drizzle lemon juice over the top if you’re using it. This adds a refreshing zing!
8. Time to Enjoy:
Serve your Garlic Shrimp With Zucchini immediately while it’s warm. Dive in and savor the delightful balance of flavors!
Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Garlic Shrimp With Zucchini!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely beforehand! The best way is to let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If zucchini isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with yellow squash, bell peppers, or even asparagus. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove to maintain the shrimp’s texture, or use the microwave for quick reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños! Just sprinkle them in while sautéing the garlic to infuse that heat throughout the dish. Adjust to your taste!