Spiced Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles and Bell Peppers
Quick sautéed shrimp with vibrant bell peppers and zucchini noodles tossed in a fragrant garlic and cumin sauce for a Whole30-approved low-carb dinner. This latin american-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, zucchini noodles, large, thinly sliced red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups zucchini noodles
- 1 large, thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1 large, thinly sliced yellow bell pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp seasoned with 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 large thinly sliced red bell pepper and 1 large thinly sliced yellow bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with vegetables for 2 minutes until just softened.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and toss to combine. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles and Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Spiced Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles and Bell Peppers?
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 noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles and Bell Peppers?
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 Spiced Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles and Bell Peppers 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 Spiced Shrimp Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles and Bell Peppers whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
