Key points: This is a low-carb recipe where we flavor protein-rich shrimp with ghee and herbs. We’ve turned the zucchini into ribbons to create a satisfying texture that makes the meal more filling. With only 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, this quick meal is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

About this recipe

This is a simple herb-grilled shrimp recipe that brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp. We sear them to a fragrant golden brown using ghee (or butter) and a touch of avocado oil, then finish with fresh herbs and lime for a bright, refreshing taste. It’s perfect for a quick lunch on busy days or for anyone looking for a low-carb, high-protein meal. When we tried making it ourselves, we were surprised at how quickly such a fragrant and flavorful dish came together. The key is to be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 8 shrimp, peeled and deveined (approx. 200g)
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) ghee (or unsalted butter)
  • 1 medium zucchini
  • 1/3 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • A pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (herb)
  • About 1 teaspoon of Italian parsley or dill (optional)
  • Mint (optional) a scant 1 teaspoon
  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1/4 lime (or lemon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic (optional, minced)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the shrimp under running water and pat them dry with paper towels. If the veins are still there, remove them, then season lightly with a pinch of salt (not listed in the main ingredients) to pre-season.
  2. Slice the zucchini into thin vertical ribbons using a peeler or mandoline slicer (you can also slice them into rounds or spiralize them like pasta). Sprinkle with a little salt and let them sit for about 5 minutes. Wiping away the released moisture will help you achieve a better result.
  3. Finely chop the herbs. Cut the lime into quarters. If using garlic, mince it.
  4. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the ghee. If you are using garlic, sauté it for 10 to 20 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Arrange the shrimp in the pan and cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on one side. Flip them over and cook for another minute or so (about 3 minutes total). Since shrimp can become tough if overcooked, remove them as soon as they change color and feel firm to the touch.
  6. In the same pan, quickly sauté the zucchini over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s just slightly softened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Arrange the zucchini on a plate and place the shrimp on top. Sprinkle the chopped herbs over everything, drizzle with avocado oil, and finish with a squeeze of lime.

Nutrition and Health Highlights

Shrimp is a great source of high-quality protein while being low in fat, and it also provides essential minerals like vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine. Zucchini is high in water content and dietary fiber, helping us stay hydrated while providing vitamin C and potassium. The combination of ghee and avocado oil provides medium-chain fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, which help us feel satisfied and keep our blood sugar levels stable. We can look to herbs for their antioxidant properties and digestive benefits, while the vitamin C in lime adds both a bright flavor and a nutritional boost. To keep things healthy, we recommend using less salt and instead bringing out the flavors with fresh herbs and citrus. Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

Tips for variations

  • If you’d like to add some spice, we recommend finishing with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or dusting the shrimp with a little chili powder while you’re cooking them.
  • If you would like to eat this as a main meal, serving it over quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice will make it even more satisfying.
  • If you don't have ghee, you can substitute it with unsalted butter or olive oil. If you'd like to make it even healthier, feel free to cook with olive oil alone.
  • Adding tomatoes, arugula, and feta cheese will turn this into a Mediterranean-style salad as well.
  • We also recommend trying the same cooking method with scallops or chicken breast instead of shrimp.

Summary

Quick to prepare and nutritionally balanced, "Herb Grilled Shrimp" is a satisfying dish even on busy days. When we made it, the combination of the savory aroma of ghee and fresh herbs was very well received. The keys to the flavor are avoiding overcooking and lightly patting the moisture off the zucchini. Please enjoy it with a squeeze of lime for a refreshing finish.