Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Sauté over Spiralized Zucchini
Plump shrimp seared in a vibrant lemon-garlic sauce with a fresh zucchini noodle base for a light, satisfying weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (low-carb, gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs shrimp, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 2 medium spiralized zucchinis and cook for 2 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant and garlic turns golden (do not brown).
- Step 3: Add 8 oz shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp lemon zest.
- Step 4: Add drained zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss to coat, cooking for 1 minute until heated through. Season with salt to taste and garnish with 1 tbsp fresh parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Sauté over Spiralized Zucchini take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Shrimp Sauté over Spiralized Zucchini?
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 Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Sauté over Spiralized Zucchini?
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 Shrimp Sauté over Spiralized Zucchini 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 Shrimp Sauté over Spiralized Zucchini low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.