Cilantro-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Fresh, zesty shrimp tossed with spiralized zucchini for a light, satisfying meal. This asian-inspired seafood (low-carb, whole30) ready in about 23 minutes pairs shrimp, medium zucchini, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz shrimp
- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 medium lime
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize zucchini into noodles and toss with 1/2 tsp salt in a colander. Let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, salt, and red pepper flakes; cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Remove shrimp from skillet. Add remaining 1 tbsp avocado oil, minced garlic, and lime zest to the skillet; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring constantly.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet, add chopped cilantro and lime juice, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cilantro-Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 23 minutes (15 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 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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Shrimp 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 with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 with Zucchini Noodles low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my husband's birthday dinner. It was a hit! The flavors were bright and healthy.
- ★★★★★
Great balance of cilantro and lime. The shrimp was tender and the dish was ready in under 20 minutes.
- ★★★★★
This was so refreshing! My family loved the zucchini noodles and the shrimp was perfectly cooked.
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