ItalianMedium · Hot
Golden, bubbling comfort from the South — tender zucchini meets sweet shrimp under a light mozzarella and breadcrumbs crust. A squeeze of lemon at the end, because Gianna would never let you forget it.
15 min
30 min
2 min
47 min
Method
Slice zucchini lengthwise about 1cm thick. Toss with 2 tbsp olive oil and ½ tsp salt. Lay on a baking sheet and roast at 200°C for 12 minutes until just tender, not golden.
Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp black-pepper.
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes per side until pink and just curled. Use an instant-read thermometer to verify internal temperature has reached 63°C (145°F). Remove from heat immediately.
Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes per side until pink and just curled. Remove from heat immediately.
Tear the mozzarella into small pieces. Mix with the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and 2 tbsp olive-oil until combined.
In a baking dish, layer the roasted zucchini slices. Scatter the sautéed shrimp evenly over the top.
Squeeze the lemon juice over everything. Pile the mozzarella-breadcrumb mixture on top in an even layer.
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -1
Calories
491
per serving
Protein
44g
Carbs
22g
Fat
27g
Sat. fat
9g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
1746mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
4.1
per serving
Water
23m³
Land
56Pt
Runoff
1.1g P
shrimp drives 83% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
OvenSafety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Cook shrimp to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) minimum. Remove from heat immediately when pink and curled to prevent overcooking.
High Risk Population
Shellfish allergens can cause severe anaphylactic reactions in sensitive individuals. Never serve this dish to someone with a confirmed shellfish allergy without using a verified substitute ingredient.
Cross Contamination
Use dedicated cutting boards and utensils for shrimp preparation. Clean all surfaces thoroughly with hot soapy water after handling raw shellfish to prevent allergen transfer.
Handling
Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking. Excess moisture causes steaming instead of searing, resulting in rubbery texture and potential undercooking.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking at 4°C (40°F) or below. Consume within 2 days. Reheat to 74°C (165°F) until steaming hot throughout.
Allergen Warning
Clearly label this dish as containing shellfish, milk, and wheat/gluten when serving at events or providing to others.
Pro Tips
Technique
Don't walk away when this goes in the oven — you want that topping golden and singing, not burnt. Set a timer and watch it like it's your own child, because burned breadcrumbs are a tragedy nobody needs.
Substitution
If you've got fresh clams or small mussels instead of shrimp, throw them in — they love this treatment and it makes my heart very happy. Just lay them right on top of the zucchini before the topping goes on.
From the chef
This gratin is what happens when the garden gives you too much zucchini and you refuse to let it go to waste — you layer it with sweet shrimp, a light blanket of mozzarella and breadcrumbs, and let the whole thing bubble until it's golden and singing. My father used to make something similar with tomatoes from his backyard, but I like this version better because of the lemon squeeze at the end — that brightness is non-negotiable, my friend.
Source: generated · June 10, 2026