Seared Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

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

Quick summer seafood dish featuring tender shrimp seared with lemon and garlic, served atop light zucchini noodles for a fresh low-carb meal. This Mediterranean-inspired summer cookout recipe (low carb), ready in about 18 minutes, pairs large shrimp, 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp seasoned with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sear shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque.
  2. Step 2: Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet and toss in 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  3. Step 3: Return shrimp to the skillet with zucchini noodles, add 2 tbsp lemon juice, and gently toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through and coated in lemon-garlic flavor.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Seared Lemon-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 large shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Lemon-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 Seared Lemon-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 Seared Lemon-Garlic 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.

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