Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
A quick and light stir-fry combining tender garlic shrimp and fresh zucchini noodles in a savory, Whole30-compliant sauce. This asian-inspired seafood (whole30, low carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, zucchini noodles (zoodles), garlic cloves 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 cups zucchini noodles and 3 tbsp coconut aminos, cooking for 2 more minutes until noodles are just tender but still firm.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and toss in 2 thinly sliced green onions.
- Step 5: Serve immediately while warm, enjoying the fresh garlic aroma and vibrant textures.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried 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 Stir-Fried 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 Stir-Fried Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, 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
- ★★★★★
Authentic taste! I used fresh ginger too, which made it even better. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a hit with my kids! The garlic shrimp was perfectly cooked and the zucchini noodles were a great low-carb swap.
- ★★★★★
So easy and delicious! My husband loved the dish, and it was ready in 20 minutes.
