Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp

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

Light, refreshing zucchini noodles tossed with perfectly seared shrimp in a zesty lemon-pepper sauce that’s low in carbs but bursting with flavor. This keto (low-carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs zucchini, shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add zucchini noodles and toss for 2 minutes until just tender but still crisp (do not overcook).
  3. Step 3: Return shrimp to skillet, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss for 1 minute until shrimp are heated through and coated in sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp?

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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Low-Carb Zucchini Noodles with Lemon-Pepper Shrimp low-carb?

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

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