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oven-baked shrimp and zucchini recipe

oven-baked shrimp and zucchini recipe

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This oven-baked shrimp and zucchini recipe combines succulent shrimp with tender, slightly caramelized zucchini in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. The dish is light yet satisfying, featuring a golden, slightly crispy finish from the oven-baked method. It’s a perfect balance of fresh, healthy ingredients with bold, aromatic flavors.

  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

🥄 1 large or 2 small-medium zucchini
🥄 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
🥄 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
🥄 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
🥄 1 pound uncooked large shrimp (thawed, peeled, and deveined)
🥄 3 cloves garlic (minced)
🥄 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
🥄 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
🥄 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
🥄 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
🥄 1/2 lemon (reserved for serving as wedges)
🥄 Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
🥄 Rice or pasta (for serving)

Instructions

👨‍🍳 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

👨‍🍳 In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini, shrimp, garlic, chili powder, paprika, oregano, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with olive oil and spices.

👨‍🍳 Transfer the shrimp and zucchini mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in a single layer for even cooking.

👨‍🍳 Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, and the zucchini has become tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.

👨‍🍳 Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve alongside rice or pasta to round out the meal. Offer the reserved lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Notes

To ensure the best results with your oven-baked shrimp and zucchini, it’s important to keep a few key points in mind. First, make sure your shrimp are thoroughly thawed, peeled, and deveined before cooking. This not only saves time during preparation but also ensures even cooking and a more enjoyable texture. The zucchini should be sliced evenly—about 1/2 inch thick—to promote uniform cooking. If using a large zucchini, you may want to cut it into longer strips or half-moons for better distribution on the baking sheet. For those who like a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the spice blend. It’s also helpful to avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming rather than roasting. Cooking the shrimp and zucchini separately for a few minutes before combining them in the dish can also help maintain their individual textures. If you’re preparing this dish in advance, you can assemble the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to an hour before baking. Just be sure to bring everything to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 300
  • Fat: 16
  • Carbohydrates: 12
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 32