Lime-Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles

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

Quick sautéed shrimp tossed with bright lime and garlic flavors over tender zucchini noodles for a fresh Whole30 meal. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lime juice 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque; remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently with the garlic oil for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, pour 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice over everything, and toss to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lime-Garlic 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 Lime-Garlic 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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Garlic 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 Lime-Garlic 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 Lime-Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free, dairy 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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