Sautéed Citrus Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Bright and tender shrimp sautéed in lemon and orange juice, served over tender zucchini noodles for a light Whole30 seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium, spiralized zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 medium, spiralized zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, stirring to coat shrimp and cook for an additional 1 minute until juices reduce slightly.
- Step 4: Remove shrimp and set aside. In the same skillet, add the spiralized noodles from 4 medium zucchinis and sauté for 2 minutes until just tender, tossing to coat in the citrus-garlic sauce.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Citrus Shrimp 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 Sautéed Citrus Shrimp 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 medium, spiralized zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Citrus 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 Sautéed Citrus Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles 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 Sautéed Citrus Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, low carb, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
