Garlic-Lime Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

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

A light, vibrant stir fry combining tender shrimp with fresh zucchini noodles tossed in a zesty garlic-lime sauce. This seafood recipe (whole30, low carb), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs large shrimp, zucchini, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 10 min Serves 3 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles and 1/2 tsp sea salt, tossing gently and cooking for 2-3 minutes until just softened but still slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, add 2 tbsp fresh lime juice and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, tossing everything together for 1 minute until heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Lime Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Lime Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry?

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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry 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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry 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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