Sautéed Ginger Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Quick and flavorful sautéed shrimp infused with fresh ginger and garlic served over tender zucchini noodles for a light Whole30 meal. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (low carb, paleo) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium zucchini, extra virgin 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 medium zucchini
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger root, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create zucchini noodles from 3 medium zucchinis and set aside in a colander to drain excess moisture.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently with the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are just tender but not mushy.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the dish before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Ginger Garlic 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 Ginger Garlic 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 zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Ginger Garlic 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 Ginger Garlic 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 Ginger Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.