Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cashew-Free Thai Sauce

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

A quick, Whole30-compliant Thai-inspired stir-fry featuring shrimp and tender zucchini noodles tossed in a tangy, nut-free sauce. This thai-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes blends large shrimp, peeled and deveined, medium red bell pepper, stalks green onions into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 3 medium zucchinis into noodles and set aside. Thinly slice 1 medium red bell pepper and chop 3 green onions. Mince 3 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp coconut aminos, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; set sauce aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, and green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet along with prepared sauce. Toss everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes until zucchini noodles soften but remain slightly firm.
  6. Step 6: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, toss gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute. Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cashew-Free Thai Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cashew-Free Thai Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cashew-Free Thai Sauce?

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 Cashew-Free Thai Sauce 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 Cashew-Free Thai Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes