Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold Mediterranean flavors and easy, fuss-free meals, this Mediterranean shrimp skillet without butter is about to become your new favorite dish. Here’s why you’ll love it.

Healthy and dairy-free – Who needs butter when you have rich, golden olive oil? This dish delivers all the indulgent flavors you crave without the dairy, making it light yet incredibly satisfying.

One-pan magic – Nobody likes a sink full of dishes, and this recipe keeps things simple. Everything comes together in just one skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

Mediterranean goodness – Think juicy shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh herbs, all tossed together in a zesty garlic-lemon sauce. Every bite bursts with those classic Mediterranean flavors that make you feel like you’re dining by the sea.

Protein-packed and low-carb – Shrimp is high in protein and naturally low in carbs, making this dish a great choice whether you’re looking for a balanced meal or just something light but satisfying. Serve it over quinoa, with a side of greens, or enjoy it straight from the skillet. Either way, it’s delicious.

Hungry yet? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this flavorful Mediterranean shrimp skillet. Simple, fresh, and bursting with deliciousness!

Shrimp – Fresh or frozen, peeled, and deveined. If using frozen, just thaw them before cooking for the best texture.

Olive oil – The heart of Mediterranean cooking and the perfect butter substitute. It adds richness while keeping things light and healthy.

Garlic – Because no good Mediterranean dish is complete without a generous hit of garlic. It brings bold, aromatic flavor to the shrimp.

Lemon juice & zest – A squeeze of lemon brightens everything up, while the zest adds an extra layer of citrusy goodness.

Cherry tomatoes – These little bursts of sweetness balance the savory flavors and create a light, juicy sauce.

Red onion – Mild yet slightly sweet, red onion adds a bit of crunch and depth to the dish.

Bell peppers – A colorful addition that brings natural sweetness and texture to every bite.

Kalamata olives & capers – The briny, salty kick that makes Mediterranean dishes so irresistible. They add depth and balance to the dish.

Fresh parsley & oregano – These herbs bring in a pop of freshness and that signature Mediterranean aroma.

Paprika & crushed red pepper flakes – A little smokiness from the paprika and a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes make this dish even more flavorful.

Sea salt & black pepper – Simple seasonings that tie everything together.

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Mediterranean Shrimp Skillet Without Butter

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a skillet full of Mediterranean goodness.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, get everything ready to make the process smooth and easy.

• Chop the vegetables and herbs so they’re ready to go.
• Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel—this helps them get a nice sear.
• Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra depth of flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

This is where the magic starts!

• Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and onions, cooking for about a minute until fragrant and slightly softened. Your kitchen will smell amazing already!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them.

• Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside to prevent overcooking.

Step 4: Build the Mediterranean Flavor

Now, it’s time to layer in those bold Mediterranean ingredients.

• Toss in cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and capers, letting them soften slightly.
• Stir in lemon juice, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to brighten the dish and give it a little heat.

Step 5: Combine Everything

• Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat in the flavorful sauce.
• Finish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

That’s it! Serve it up and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal made in your own kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

This Mediterranean shrimp skillet is light, flavorful, and versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:

Over Rice or Quinoa – If you want a heartier meal, serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice or nutty quinoa. The grains soak up all the delicious Mediterranean flavors.

With a Side Salad – Keep things fresh by pairing this dish with a crisp Greek salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice.

With Crusty Bread – A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the garlicky, lemon-infused sauce. Try it with sourdough or whole-grain bread.

Over Pasta – Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine, spaghetti, or zucchini noodles for a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish.

No matter how you serve it, this dish is bursting with bold flavors and is sure to impress!

Recipe Variations

This Mediterranean shrimp skillet is already packed with flavor, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Whether you prefer extra spice, more garlic, or a richer sauce, there’s a variation for everyone.

Spicy Version – If you love a little heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of harissa for a bold, smoky spice. For even more intensity, you can also drizzle a bit of chili oil before serving.

Garlic-Lover’s Version – Can’t get enough garlic? Simply double the garlic for an even richer, more aromatic dish. For a deeper, slightly sweet flavor, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the skillet.

Saucy Version – Want a more indulgent, stew-like dish? Just stir in a cup of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes for a richer, heartier Mediterranean-style sauce. Additionally, a splash of vegetable broth can help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Extra Veggies – Add more color and nutrients by tossing in spinach, artichokes, or zucchini. Not only does this make the dish even more wholesome, but it also enhances the Mediterranean flavors. For best results, add delicate greens like spinach at the end of cooking, while firmer veggies should go in earlier.

No matter which variation you choose, this shrimp skillet remains a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. So go ahead, experiment with your favorite ingredients, and make it your own!

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This Mediterranean shrimp skillet is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a flavorful, home-cooked meal anytime. Follow these simple storage and reheating tips to keep it fresh and delicious.

Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best storage practices, check out this guide on how to properly store cooked seafood.

Freeze – If you want to save it for later, transfer the cooled shrimp and sauce into a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. For optimal freezing techniques, read more on how to freeze seafood the right way.

Reheat – Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out. Avoid overheating, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long. For more expert tips on reheating seafood without ruining its texture, visit this seafood reheating guide.

For meal prep, you can also prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the shrimp fresh when ready to serve. This way, you get the best flavors without sacrificing texture.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean shrimp skillet without butter proves that you don’t need dairy to create a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. With the perfect balance of garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and aromatic herbs, every bite bursts with Mediterranean goodness. Even better, it all comes together in just one pan and in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.

If you love quick and healthy Mediterranean recipes, be sure to subscribe for more flavorful meal ideas. Additionally, for even more Mediterranean cooking inspiration, check out this collection of healthy seafood recipes.