Healthy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Bowl

Name: Healthy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas); Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Wholesome Kitchen Classics

I absolutely love whipping up this Healthy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Bowl on busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, takes just 30 minutes, and leaves me feeling light yet satisfied. The bright citrus notes paired with the savory garlic make this dish a standout. Plus, it's a versatile recipe which means you can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand. I find myself reaching for this easy meal again and again, knowing it’s both delicious and nutritious.

Created by

Blair Hudson

Last updated on 2026-02-27T12:13:35.237Z

When I first tried this Healthy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Bowl, I was amazed by how quickly everything came together. The zesty lemon combined with the aromatic garlic not only enhances the shrimp but also infuses delicious flavor into every bite. I always cook the shrimp just until they turn pink, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.

In my opinion, the best part is customizing the bowl. I love to include a variety of colorful vegetables to make it even healthier and more appealing. It’s a meal I often prepare while still experimenting with different toppings and side dishes!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bursting with fresh flavors from lemon and garlic
Quick and easy to prepare for any weeknight dinner
Packed with protein and nutrients for a healthy meal

Perfectly Cooked Shrimp

Achieving the perfect texture for shrimp is key to a delightful dish. When cooking, it's essential to avoid overcooking them, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Watch closely as they turn from a translucent gray to a lovely pink, typically taking about 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat. If they start curling tightly, that’s a sign they are overdone. To prevent this, I like to set a timer for each side.

The marination of the shrimp is crucial for infusing flavor. Allowing it to sit for at least 10 minutes helps the shrimp absorb the tanginess of lemon and the aromatic garlic. If you have time, you can extend this marination to 30 minutes for an even deeper flavor. Just remember to keep it refrigerated if marinating longer!

Vegetable Selection and Cooking Tips

The beauty of this Healthy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Bowl lies in its versatility with vegetables. While I often use broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas, feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand. Zucchini, asparagus, or even carrots work brilliantly too. Just ensure that whatever you choose cooks uniformly, so cutting them into similar sizes is essential.

When stir-frying vegetables, make sure not to overcrowd the pan; this can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. Keeping a medium-high heat allows for a nice char and preserves the vibrant colors and nutrients of your vegetables. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp. If you notice moisture accumulating, raise the heat slightly to help evaporate it.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Bowl

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas)
Cooked brown rice or quinoa for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or substitute with what's in season!

Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through.

Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for another 5 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.

Assemble the Bowl

Serve the shrimp and vegetables over a bed of brown rice or quinoa, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp for longer or add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This shrimp bowl is an excellent meal prep option! You can marinate the shrimp a day in advance, keeping them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cooked shrimp and vegetables can also be stored in separate containers; just allow them to cool before sealing. They can be kept fresh for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating everything in a skillet for the best results, as it helps to maintain the texture.

If you want to portion out meals, consider dividing the shrimp and veggies over prepared brown rice or quinoa. This not only saves time but also allows for effortless lunches throughout the week. Just remember to reheat the rice or quinoa in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.

Flavor Variations

For a unique twist on the classic flavor profile, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a teaspoon of sesame oil to the shrimp marinade. This adds a subtle umami depth that complements the lemon garlic beautifully. Alternatively, for an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be tossed in when cooking the shrimp, elevating the heat just enough to linger pleasantly on the palate.

Feel free to swap the protein too! This dish works great with scallops or even pieces of firm fish like salmon. Just keep in mind that cooking times will vary slightly, so adjust accordingly, aiming for that same pink and opaque finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure to thaw them completely before marinating for best results.

→ What vegetables work best in this recipe?

Feel free to use your favorites! Zucchini, asparagus, and carrots also complement the shrimp well.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply serve over gluten-free grains like quinoa or omit the grains altogether for a low-carb option.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the shrimp is best fresh, you can prepare the vegetables and marinate the shrimp in advance. Just cook them when ready to serve.