Steamed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon

Greek Fast Without Oil Published April 01, 2026

Shellfish are permitted on every fasting day in the Orthodox calendar — they are invertebrates, not fish, and this distinction has been maintained consistently across all traditions. Shrimp need nothing more than steam, garlic, and lemon to be extraordinary. No oil, no butter, no fuss. The natural sweetness of the shrimp comes through cleanly when you are not drowning it in fat.

This is the fastest high-protein meal in the no-oil fasting repertoire. Fifteen minutes from refrigerator to table.

FASTING LEVEL: Fast Without Oil (cooked food permitted, no oil, no wine — shellfish always permitted)
SERVINGS: 2
TIME: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

- 500g large shrimp, shell-on or peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for serving

METHOD

1. Pour the water into a large pot or deep skillet. Add the garlic slices, oregano, red pepper flakes, and juice of 1 lemon. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

2. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and just curled — do not overcook. Shell-on shrimp will take an extra minute.

3. Remove the shrimp to a plate. Squeeze the remaining lemon juice over the top. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Scatter with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread to soak up the broth.

NOTES

- Shell-on shrimp have more flavor. Peel at the table — the garlic-lemon broth clings to the shells and your fingers carry the flavor to the bread.
- The steaming broth is delicious. Serve it in small cups alongside the shrimp, or pour it over the bread.
- Add a bay leaf and a few peppercorns to the steaming liquid for a more aromatic broth.
- This pairs exceptionally well with boiled potatoes or plain rice.