Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with Mediterranean delight! These Grilled Shrimp Parmesan Zucchini Boats are not just a meal, they're a flavor-packed experience that combines the succulence of perfectly grilled shrimp, the richness of melted Parmesan, and the fresh crunch of zucchini. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe is your ticket to a mouthwatering masterpiece that's both healthy and indulgent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Zucchini
- Shrimp
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If using a grill pan, heat it on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out some of the flesh, creating a hollow space for the filling. Set the scooped-out flesh aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until the shrimp are well coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
- Chop the reserved zucchini flesh and mix it with the cooked shrimp. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Place the hollowed zucchini halves on a baking sheet or directly on the grill. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Fill each zucchini boat with the shrimp and zucchini mixture. Top generously with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Place the filled zucchini boats on the grill. Close the lid and grill for about 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the zucchini boats from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil before serving.
- Serve the grilled shrimp Parmesan zucchini boats warm, and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose zucchinis that are firm and similar in size for even cooking and presentation.
- Don't discard the scooped-out zucchini flesh - it adds extra flavor and reduces food waste.
- Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to ensure they get a nice sear and don't become watery.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure shrimp are cooked (they should reach 145°F).
- For extra char and flavor, brush zucchini boats with a little extra olive oil before grilling.
- If you don't have a grill, this recipe works perfectly in an oven at 400°F.
- Let the zucchini boats rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 160mg
