If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that comes together in minutes, this Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is the perfect choice. Tender shrimp, fresh zucchini, garlic, butter, and lemon combine to create a light yet satisfying dinner that’s ideal for busy weeknights. This recipe is simple, healthy, and packed with fresh flavors the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Packed with protein and fresh vegetables.
- Naturally low carb and gluten-free.
- Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Fresh garlic and lemon create incredible flavor.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 2 medium-large zucchinis, halved and sliced ½-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking and place them near the stove.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- When hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Season with about ¼ teaspoon salt and a small amount of pepper.
- Cook for about 1 minute until the underside begins turning pink.
- Stir and flip the shrimp.
- Season again lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook for another minute until just cooked through.
- Transfer shrimp to a plate.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet.
- Add zucchini and stir to coat.
- Season with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add butter and minced garlic.
- Stir while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet.
- Add lemon juice and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve the Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better browning.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for the best flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute yellow squash for zucchini if desired.
- Fresh lemon juice provides brighter flavor than bottled juice.
- Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes:
- Low Carb
- Gluten-Free
- High Protein
- Keto-Friendly
Notes
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread if preferred.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Fresh basil can be used in place of parsley.
- Increase garlic for a stronger garlic butter shrimp flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 245
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
Shrimp turn pink and opaque and form a loose “C” shape when fully cooked.
Can I make this shrimp zucchini stir fry ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to one day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
Is this a low carb shrimp recipe?
Yes. This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and works well for low-carb lifestyles.
What vegetables can I add?
Broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, asparagus, and spinach all work well.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them only at the end to warm through and avoid overcooking.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery shrimp.
Similar Recipes
Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided
- 2 medium-large zucchinis halved and sliced ½-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 6 –8 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp and pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare all ingredients before cooking and place them near the stove.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- When hot, add the shrimp in a single layer.
- Season with about ¼ teaspoon salt and a small amount of pepper.
- Cook for about 1 minute until the underside begins turning pink.
- Stir and flip the shrimp.
- Season again lightly with salt and pepper.
- Cook for another minute until just cooked through.
- Transfer shrimp to a plate.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet.
- Add zucchini and stir to coat.
- Season with the remaining salt and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add butter and minced garlic.
- Stir while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet.
- Add lemon juice and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve the Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry immediately.
Notes
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread if preferred.
- Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Fresh basil can be used in place of parsley.
- Increase garlic for a stronger garlic butter shrimp flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Shrimp Stir Fry is a fast, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of tender shrimp, fresh zucchini, garlic, butter, and lemon creates a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a quick seafood dinner or a healthy shrimp dinner for the family, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite.