Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir Fry with Zucchini Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant stir fry of tender shrimp tossed with zucchini noodles in a fresh cilantro-lime sauce that’s bright and Whole30 compliant. This latin american-inspired whole30 (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and spiralized noodles from 3 medium zucchinis. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until noodles are just tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet with zucchini noodles. Add 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, remaining 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Stir Fry 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 chopped fresh cilantro leaves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Stir Fry 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 Stir Fry with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Stir Fry with Zucchini Noodles low carb?

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

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