Shrimp and Zucchini Stir-fry
A light and zesty stir-fry with juicy shrimp, crisp zucchini, and bell peppers. Tossed in a fresh ginger, garlic, and lemon sauce, this is a perfect healthy weeknight meal, ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the stir-fry sauce
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, rice vinegar, maple syrup, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and 3 tbsp of water until smooth.
- c.Set the sauce aside for later.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the aromatics and vegetables
- b.Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- d.Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the zucchini and shrimp
- b.Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- c.Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine with sauce and serve
- b.Give the sauce a quick whisk again and pour it into the skillet over the shrimp and vegetables.
- c.Stir everything together continuously for about 1 minute as the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- d.Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.
- e.Serve immediately, on its own or with a side of steamed brown rice.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, don't overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook the vegetables and shrimp in batches.
- 2Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- 3Shrimp cook very quickly. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as they turn pink to prevent them from becoming tough.
- 4Ensure your pan is very hot before adding ingredients to get a good sear and prevent vegetables from becoming soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1 cup of shelled edamame along with the zucchini for an extra boost of plant-based protein.
vegetarianVegetarian
Replace the shrimp with 1 block (400g) of firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried until golden before adding to the stir-fry.
quickQuick
Use a pre-cut vegetable mix from the grocery store to save on prep time.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes along with the garlic and ginger for a bit of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp provides high-quality protein that is essential for muscle repair and growth, while being low in fat and calories.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Zucchini and bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants, which support immune function and overall health.
Low in Sodium
By using fresh lemon juice and aromatics instead of high-sodium soy sauce, this recipe supports better heart health and blood pressure management.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy dish. It's high in lean protein from shrimp, packed with vitamins from the vegetables, and cooked with minimal oil. The sauce is made from fresh ingredients, making it low in sodium and free from processed additives.