Steamed Shrimp Zucchini Boats

 

Shrimp Zucchini Boats are healthy, low-carb, and absolutely delicious! This dish is light yet satisfying, and it’s perfect if you’re trying to eat clean or even lose a bit of weight. Packed with shrimp, vegetables, and umami-rich gravy, these boats are as beautiful as they are flavorful.

Recipe

Serves: 4
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

For the zucchini boats:
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 medium zucchini
1 ½ cups baby corn, minced
6 shiitake mushrooms, minced
½ teaspoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Pinch of white pepper

For the gravy:
½ cup unsalted chicken stock
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients:

• Butterfly each shrimp by slicing down the back. Cut a small hole in the center and remove the bottom nerve cord. Insert the tail through the hole to create a decorative twist.
• Trim the zucchini ends, cut in half lengthwise, and scoop out the flesh. Mince the scooped flesh and set aside for the filling.
• In a bowl, combine the minced zucchini flesh, baby corn, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well to form the filling.

2. Assemble the zucchini boats:

• Transfer the filling to a piping bag or Ziploc bag and snip off the tip.
• Pipe the filling into the hollowed zucchini boats evenly.

3. Steam the zucchini boats:

• Bring water to a boil in a steamer over high heat. Place the filled zucchini boats inside, cover, and steam for 8 minutes.
• Uncover and top each zucchini boat with 3 prepared shrimp. Cover again and steam for an additional 2 minutes, until the shrimp are fully cooked.
• Remove the zucchini boats and reserve any liquid from the steaming plate.

4. Make the gravy and serve:

• In a small pan over medium heat, combine the reserved steaming liquid, chicken stock, and oyster sauce. Whisk and bring to a simmer.
• Add the cornstarch slurry (mix 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water), and stir until the gravy thickens.
• Pour the gravy over the zucchini boats and serve warm.

Tips & notes

• Low-carb bonus: Baby corn is a smart, low-carb substitute for regular corn, ideal for weight-conscious meals.
• Don’t over-steam the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly—just 2 minutes is enough to keep them juicy and tender.
• Elegant presentation: Twisting the shrimp tail through the center adds a decorative touch and keeps the shrimp neatly in place on top.