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Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Garlic Shrimp 🍜

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Looking for a light and flavorful meal that won't weigh you down? You're in the right place! Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines the fresh, vibrant taste of zucchini with succulent shrimp in a savory sauce. Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. And guess what? You're finally going to learn how to make zucchini noodles. It's simpler than you think, and the result is an unforgettable meal that you'll want to make again and again. Let's dive into this delicious recipe!

A plate of zoodles with shirmp garnished with herbs is on the table with a fork.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Start by sautéing shrimp with garlic in coconut oil until they turn pink and opaque. Then, add the zucchini noodles, allowing them to soak in the delightful lemon garlic sauce. In just 35 minutes, you'll have a wholesome meal on your table.

Chef's note

Don't be scared to experiment and make this dish even more delightful. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy and savory taste. Want more color and nutrition? Toss in cherry tomatoes or baby spinach right at the end of cooking. They'll blend in perfectly and elevate the dish. And for that finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🍜 Ingredients for this zucchini noodles with shrimp recipe

Let's make these delicious Keto Shrimp Zoodles with the following simple ingredients!

  • 0.5-pound shrimp, deveined
  • 3 zucchini, made into noodles with a spiralizer
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly crushed black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
The ingredients including spiraled zucchini and shrimp gathered on the table to cook this zucchini noodles with shrimp.

Ingredient substitutions

Are you making zucchini shrimp noodles but missing an ingredient? No worries! Here are some handy swaps:

  • Garlic: Instead of fresh garlic, use ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. It's an easy way to keep the tasty garlicky flavor.
  • Lemon: Vinegar will do the trick if you're out of lemon juice. Just use the same amount to give the dish a tangy kick.
  • Fresh parsley: If you don't have parsley, try other fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or chives. They'll make your dish smell and taste great.
  • Coconut oil: No coconut oil? Unsalted butter is a delicious alternative that works well in this recipe.

Additional ingredients

Want to add something special to the keto shrimp recipe? Here are some delightful extras:

  • Cherry tomatoes: A few sliced cherry tomatoes will add color and a sweet touch that pairs well with this dish.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will heat things up!
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Make the dish even yummier with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It'll add a creamy, savory flavor.
  • Fresh herbs: Herbs like basil or cilantro can be added for even more freshness and taste.
  • White wine: Want to take your dish to a whole new level? A splash of white wine will add a rich flavor.
Zucchini noodles with shrimps served on a plate beside a fork on a table.

Cooking tools required

To make this zucchini noodles with shrimp recipe, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • Skillet
  • Spiralizer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tongs

Tool substitutes list

  • Skillet: Don't have a skillet? A non-stick frying pan works just fine.
  • Spiralizer: Instead of a spiralizer, use a julienne peeler to make wide ribbons or even a knife to slice the zucchini into long, thin strips that look like noodles. Just be sure to cut the zucchini lengthwise, and take your time to get them just right!
  • Tongs: Use a slotted spoon or a spatula if you don't have tongs.
Zucchini noodles and shrimp in a steel skillet on the table beside a fork and a plate ready to be served.

How to make Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Collect all the ingredients and measure them.
  2. Rinse the zucchini under cold water and then dry them using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
  3. Wash the shrimp and remove the veins.
  4. Chop the garlic cloves into tiny pieces.
  5. Zest the lemon to get the outer peel, cut it in half, and squeeze the juice out.

Cooking instructions

  1. Cut off the ends of the washed and dried zucchini.
  2. Place one end of the zucchini into the spiralizer, make sure it's secure, and turn the handle to make beautiful zucchini noodles. Repeat this with the other zucchini. Then, set aside.
  3. In a skillet, warm the coconut oil over medium heat.
  4. Put the minced garlic into the skillet and cook it until it smells nice and turns golden in color.
  5. Place the shrimp into the skillet with the garlic. Cook them on each side for 2-3 minutes until they change color to pink and are no longer see-through.
  6. Put the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 more minutes. When done, move the shrimp to a dish but keep the skillet on the heat.
  7. Place the zucchini noodles into the skillet that you cooked the shrimp in. Toss them around so they get coated with lemon and garlic sauce. Cook them for 3-4 minutes so they get a little soft but still have a nice crunch.
  8. Put the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Stir them together so the flavors mix well.
  9. Transfer the zucchini noodles and shrimp to a serving plate or dish.
  10. Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top of the dish for garnish.
Heating stainless steel pan on an induction stove beside a bowl of shrimp and other ingredients.
Sautéing shrimps in a stainless skillet on an induction stove beside a bowl of raw spiraled zoodles.
An empty skillet used to sauté shrimp beside a plate of cooked shrimp and a bowl of raw zucchini noodles are on the counter.
Cooking zucchini noodles in a stainless steel pan on an induction cooktop beside a plate of cooked shrimps.
Cooking shrimp and zucchini noodles in the stainless steel skillet on an induction cooktop.

Chef's pro tip

When making these tasty zucchini noodles with shrimp, be careful not to overcook the zucchini noodles. If left in the skillet too long, they might turn mushy and lose their enjoyable crunch. To keep them just right, watch them as they cook and take them out of the skillet when they begin to soften but are still a bit firm. That way, you'll have the perfect texture to enjoy with your shrimp!

What to serve with the zucchini noodles with shrimp?

  • Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts: These crispy and savory sprouts will add a delightful contrast of textures when paired with the zucchini noodles.
  • Caprese Salad: The cool, juicy Caprese salad, combined with the classic shrimp, creates a wonderful harmony of flavors.
  • Broccoli with Parmesan: This creamy, cheesy side dish adds comfort and richness, complementing the meal perfectly.
  • Cheesy Asparagus: Aerve the delicious shrimp zucchini noodles with our cheesy roasted asparagus. Its flavorful taste will beautifully complement the lemony zest of the shrimp and noodles.
Low-carb zucchini noodles served on a pasta bowl and fork on a table.

How to make it healthier?

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp and zucchini are a great way to ensure the dish has the best flavors and textures. Fresh ingredients often provide a more vibrant taste.
  • Reduce sodium: If you want to cut back on salt, mix fresh herbs like basil and cilantro and spices like garlic powder and paprika. These will add wonderful flavor without the extra sodium, making your meal delicious and healthy.

Time-saving tips

  • Go for frozen shrimps: Use store-bought frozen shrimps to save time on deveining. 
Shrimp zoodles in a stainless steel skillet on the table ready to be served with tongs, a fork and a plate .

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Prep the ingredients: Wash, devein, and peel the shrimp earlier in the day. Also, spiralize the zucchini, mince the garlic, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
  • Make the lemon garlic sauce: Zest the lemon and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Cover and keep it in the fridge so it's ready when needed.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

Put the leftover garlic shrimp with zucchini noodles in an airtight container. Make sure to put it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy it within 24 hours.

Homemade shrimp and zucchini noodles served on a plate and a fork.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Warm on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir-fry Pan: Use a stir-fry pan or wok to reheat the dish quickly on medium-high heat. Keep stirring to make sure everything heats evenly.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it - a delightful plate of Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp that's as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. With its blend of fresh zucchini, succulent shrimp, and zesty lemon garlic sauce, this dish offers a wholesome and flavorful experience. Whether you're serving it up for a family dinner or enjoying a quiet meal for one, it's a recipe that's sure to impress. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this zoodles recipe could become your next go-to dish. Enjoy!

Are you a noodles fan? Here are some delicious keto noodles recipes!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, shrimp is a fantastic keto-friendly option! It's low in carbs and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for those following a ketogenic diet.

Shrimp is incredibly low in carbs, containing only about 0.2 grams of carbs per 3-ounce (85 grams) serving. It's a perfect fit for a low-carb lifestyle.

Zucchini noodles, also known as zoodles, are very low in carbs, making them an ideal alternative to traditional pasta. On average, one cup of raw zucchini noodles has around 4-5 grams of carbs.

Yes, zucchini noodles are a fantastic keto option! They are low in carbs and a nutritious substitute for higher-carb pasta in various dishes.

Zucchini noodles can become soggy if overcooked. To prevent this, cook them briefly, about 3-4 minutes, until they are slightly softened but retain a nice crunch.

To remove excess water from zucchini noodles, sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for a few minutes. Then, gently pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps prevent soggy noodles and ensures a more enjoyable texture.

📖 Recipe

A plate of zucchini noodles with shirmp garnished with fresh green herbs is on the table.

Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp

Enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal with Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp, a low-carb delight bursting with the goodness of zoodles and succulent shrimp in a zesty lemon garlic sauce.
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Course: Main Course
Keyword: garlic shrimp scampi, keto scampi, shrimp scampi recipe, shrimp zoodles, zucchini noodles, zucchini noodles with shrimp
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 234kcal

Ingredients

  • 0.5 pound shrimp deveined
  • 3 zucchini made into noodles with a spiralizer
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly crushed black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Cut off the ends of the washed and dried zucchini.
  • Place one end of the zucchini into the spiralizer, make sure it's secure, and turn the handle to make beautiful zucchini noodles. Repeat this with the other zucchini. Then, set aside.
  • In a skillet, warm the coconut oil over medium heat.
  • Put the minced garlic into the skillet and cook it until it smells nice and turns golden in color.
  • Place the shrimp into the skillet with the garlic. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they change color to pink and are no longer see-through.
  • Put the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir everything together and cook for 1-2 more minutes. When done, move the shrimp to a dish but keep the skillet on the heat.
  • Place the zucchini noodles into the skillet that you cooked the shrimp in. Toss them around so they get coated with lemon and garlic sauce. Cook them for 3-4 minutes so they get a little soft but still have a nice crunch to them.
  • Put the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Stir them together so the flavors mix well.
  • Transfer the zucchini noodles and shrimp to a serving plate or dish.
  • Chop some fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top of the dish for garnish.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp
Amount Per Serving
Calories 234 Calories from Fat 198
% Daily Value*
Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 18g113%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 25mg1%
Potassium 791mg23%
Carbohydrates 11g4%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 7g8%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 589IU12%
Vitamin C 54mg65%
Calcium 58mg6%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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