Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Sauté with Zucchini Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and refreshing Whole30 shrimp sautéed with garlic, lime, and fresh cilantro served over zucchini noodles for a low-carb dinner. This american-inspired seafood (whole30, low carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, minced fresh garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 3 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis (zoodles), and toss gently with the shrimp for 2 minutes until zoodles are tender but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately for a light Whole30-approved meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Sauté with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Sauté with Zucchini Noodles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Sauté with Zucchini Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Sauté with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Sauté with Zucchini Noodles whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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