Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil
A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender shrimp and fresh zucchini noodles tossed with garlic and sweet basil for a light Whole30 dinner. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, thinly sliced garlic cloves, chopped fresh basil leaves 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. 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, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 4 cups (about 3 medium zucchinis spiralized) zucchini noodles
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, then remove shrimp from skillet.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 4 cups zucchini noodles to the skillet along with 2 tbsp coconut aminos and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Toss and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, add 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, and season with remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss everything together for 1 minute until heated through.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil 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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil?
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 thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil?
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 Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil 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 Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Basil whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.