LOW-CALORIE SHRIMP SCAMPI
This Low-Calorie Shrimp Scampi is a fresh and vibrant dish that transforms a classic Italian-American favourite meal into a healthy, protein-packed meal. Instead of heavy butter and pasta, this version uses heart-healthy olive oil, a splash of lemon juice and zucchini noodles for a light yet satisfying alternative. The combination of garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper and succulent shrimp creates a bold, restaurant-quality dish that’s quick and easy to make at home. This dish is perfect for those seeking a nutritious, low-carb meal without sacrificing flavour. It’s packed with lean protein, essential vitamins and antioxidants while keeping calories in check. This dish is served as a light yet satisfying dinner, a special date-night meal or an easy weeknight dish. This dish is paired with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, well-balanced meal.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Mediterranean, Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Sauté, Simmer
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Weeknight Meal, Family Dinner, Light Summer Meal, Date Night
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Low Calorie, High Protein, Low Carb, Quick & Easy, Gluten-Free, Healthy
DISH TYPE
Seafood, Pasta Alternative
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Low-Calorie Shrimp Scampi:
- 4 oz shrimp, peeled
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup zucchini noodles
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Fats: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fibre: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
PREPARATION
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a medium-sized pan, heat olive oil over medium flame.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled shrimp to the pan and season with salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Add the Lemon Juice: Pour in the fresh lemon juice, stirring to coat the shrimp in the tangy, garlicky sauce.
- Toss in the Zucchini Noodles: Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 1-2 minutes until just tender but still slightly firm.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and plate the shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
There are some essential tips for the preparation of Low-Calorie Shrimp Scampi:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh, wild-caught shrimp will provide the best flavour and texture, but frozen shrimp work well when thawed before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to prevent a rubbery texture.
- Keep Zucchini Noodles Crisp: Overcooking zucchini noodles can make them mushy; a quick toss in the pan is enough.
- Enhance the Flavour: Add a pinch of lemon zest or a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Pair It Well: Serve with a fresh side salad, roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
VARIATIONS
- Dairy-Free Version: Omit any optional Parmesan and instead garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt or light cream cheese for a creamy twist.
- More Veggies: Add sautéed cherry tomatoes, mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients and flavour.
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Pasta Substitute: Swap zucchini noodles for spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as zucchini noodles become watery when thawed.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the shrimp ahead of time and store it separately from the zucchini noodles to maintain texture when reheating.