Lemon Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

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

Plump shrimp seared in a bright lemon-garlic sauce and served over tender zucchini noodles for a light, vibrant meal ready in 30 minutes. This international-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp, zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 International cuisine 320 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 12 oz shrimp and cook 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 spiralized zucchinis (stems and leaves separated) to skillet and cook 3 minutes, stirring until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet, add 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss for 1 minute to heat through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Lemon Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

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 Lemon Garlic Sautéed 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 Lemon Garlic Sautéed 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 Lemon Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles low-carb?

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

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