Sautéed Lemon Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
A light and vibrant dish featuring plump shrimp cooked with garlic and lemon, served over spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 12 oz shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles, then toss with 1/4 tsp salt and let sit for 10 minutes to release moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet and stir to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Then add 2 tbsp lemon zest and the spiralized zucchini noodles. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender but still firm, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Return the 12 oz shrimp to the skillet, add 1/4 cup fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Lemon Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Sautéed Lemon 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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Lemon 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 Lemon 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 Lemon Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.