Roasted Zucchini and Shrimp With Za’atar Yogurt
Published May 21, 2024
- Total Time
- 45 minutes
- Prep Time
- 10 minutes
- Cook Time
- 35 minutes
- Rating
- Comments
- Read comments
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Ingredients
1 ½ pounds zucchini, halved and sliced into ½-inch-thick half-moons
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 ¼ teaspoons fine sea or table salt, more to taste
½ teaspoon red-pepper flakes, more as needed
1 ½ pounds shelled extra-large shrimp
4 teaspoons za’atar
1 lemon, finely zested and juiced
⅔ cup plain whole-milk yogurt
1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
Chopped mint, cilantro or dill, for serving
Preparation
- Step 1
Place rack 6 inches from broiler, and heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl, toss together zucchini, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes. Spread evenly on a rimmed sheet pan. Roast until the zucchini is nicely browned all over, about 25 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Step 2
While the zucchini roasts, pat shrimp dry and add to the same bowl used for the zucchini (no need to wash it). Toss shrimp with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, remaining ¼ teaspoon red-pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons za’atar and all of the lemon zest. Let sit at room temperature while the zucchini roasts.
- Step 3
Remove zucchini from oven and turn the broiler to high. Add shrimp to the sheet pan with the zucchini, spreading it out evenly. Broil for 2 to 5 minutes, or until the shrimp just cooks through (watch it carefully so the shrimp don’t overcook).
- Step 4
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, half of the lemon juice, the remaining 2 teaspoons za’atar and the grated garlic. Taste and add more salt or lemon juice, if needed. If the mixture is very thick, stir in a little water to loosen it, then spoon it on top of the shrimp and zucchini, and sprinkle with chopped herbs. Serve, making sure to scoop up the pan juices.
Private Notes
Comments
Great flavors, but I agree with other comments that the oven seems like a good way to get zucchini mush. I cooked everything in a hot wok instead. Added half an onion with the zucchini too. Took the veggies out when browned but not too floppy, then cooked shell on shrimp in the wok and added veggies back at the end to mix. Yogurt sauce is critical to bring it together.
I make my own: 2 Tbs thyme 2 Tbs cumin 2 Tbs coriander 2 Tbs sesame seeds (I use a combination of white and black, but it's not necessary) 2 Tbs sumac 1 tsp salt (just regular) 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (if you have Aleppo Chili flakes use those instead)
I made this yesterday for a potluck and followed the suggestions here. Cut way back on the salt (a pinch here, a pinch there and none in the yogurt sauce). Added onions with the zucchini, and basically made no other changes. My "go to" red pepper is Aleppo. Drizzled with sauce and dotted with dill fronds, rather than chopping. One guest called it "spectacular."
We ate it but I won't make it again. The Za'atar flavor is strong. Too lemony. You win some, you lose some. On to the next recipe.....
Allergic to garlic- appropriate substitute?
This may be a new summer favorite! I added chopped & massaged kale and some tiny cherry tomatoes to the zucchini + marinade. The roasted kale added a wonderful crispness to the other textures.

