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Low Calorie Meal Prep Garlic Shrimp with Veggies - Fast, Fresh, and Flavorful

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
  • Vegetables: 1 medium zucchini, 1 red bell pepper, 1 small broccoli crown, 1 cup snap peas, 1 small red onion
  • Garlic: 4–5 cloves, minced
  • Lemon: 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • Olive oil: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: 1 tablespoon (optional, for depth)
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Optional starch for meal prep: Cauliflower rice, brown rice, or quinoa

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp sear better and don’t steam.
  2. Chop the veggies: Slice the zucchini into half-moons, cut the bell pepper into strips, chop the broccoli into small florets, trim snap peas, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. Make the garlic-lemon mix: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, half the lemon juice, smoked paprika, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a small pinch of salt.
  4. Season the shrimp: Toss the shrimp with half of the garlic-lemon mix. Let it sit while you start the vegetables.
  5. Cook the veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 2 minutes. Add broccoli, zucchini, and snap peas; season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp. Splash in the soy sauce (optional) and transfer veggies to a plate.
  6. Sear the shrimp: Add a light drizzle of oil if needed. Lay shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1.5–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Don’t overcook.
  7. Add flavor back: Return veggies to the pan with the shrimp. Pour in the remaining garlic-lemon mix and the rest of the lemon juice. Toss for 30–60 seconds to coat and warm through. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Finish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve as-is for a low-carb plate or spoon over cauliflower rice, brown rice, or quinoa if you want extra staying power.