Garlic-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic and lime juice, served over fresh zucchini noodles tossed with a hint of chili and cilantro for brightness. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (low carb, whole30) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, minced 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 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
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, season with 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and toss in 3 spiralized medium zucchinis. Cook zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet with zucchini noodles, drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and toss together with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles 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 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry 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 Garlic-Lime Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.