LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP STIR-FRY
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is a fresh, vibrant dish that brings together succulent shrimp, crisp zucchini and the aromatic flavours of garlic, olive oil and lemon. The shrimp are quickly seared to perfection, absorbing the zesty lemon juice and the subtle heat of the sautéed garlic, while the zucchini adds a light crunch that complements the dish beautifully. This meal is high in protein, low in fat and packed with essential nutrients, making it ideal for a quick and healthy dinner. With only a handful of ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with rice, quinoa or pasta, this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry is a light yet satisfying meal that bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavours.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Stir-Fry
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Weeknight Dinner, Quick Meal, Family Dinner
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low Fat, High Protein, Quick & Easy, Low Carb
DISH TYPE
Stir-Fry
INGREDIENTS
- 80g shrimp, peeled
- ½ garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- 30g zucchini, sliced
- 1 tsp olive oil
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Fibre: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 1g
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better searing.
- Heat The Pan: Place a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, letting it heat for about 30 seconds.
- Sauté The Garlic: Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook The Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
- Add The Zucchini: Toss in the sliced zucchini and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Season The Dish: Drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp and zucchini, tossing everything together for an additional 30 seconds.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and enjoy hot, either on its own or with a side of rice, quinoa or pasta.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
6 minutes
TIPS
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp provide the best texture and flavour.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Cook shrimp quickly. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are ready.
- Enhance The Flavour: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight heat kick.
- Prevent Garlic From Burning: Cook garlic on medium heat and stir constantly to avoid bitterness.
- Add Extra Zest: Grate some lemon zest over the dish before serving for an extra citrusy aroma.
VARIATIONS
- Vegetarian Alternative: Swap shrimp for firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Different Vegetables: Use asparagus, bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added variety.
- Extra Protein: Mix in some cooked chickpeas or edamame for additional protein.
- Sauce Variation: Stir in a teaspoon of honey and soy sauce for a sweet-savoury flavour twist.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use a reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to lower salt intake.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat to maintain texture.
- Freezing: Shrimp can be frozen before cooking. Store in a sealed bag for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge before use.
- Meal Prep: Pre-chop the zucchini and measure the ingredients in advance for a quicker cooking process.