Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cashew Sauce

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

A quick Whole30 stir-fry combining succulent shrimp, spiralized zucchini noodles, and a creamy, nutty cashew sauce made without dairy. This whole30 (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, minced garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lime juice 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 350 calories and feeds 3, 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Drain 1/2 cup soaked raw cashews and blend in a food processor with 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 3 tbsp coconut aminos, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 minced garlic clove and 3 spiralized medium zucchinis. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini noodles are just tender but still have a slight crunch.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to skillet, pour the cashew sauce over, and toss everything together gently for 1 minute until heated through and coated.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 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 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 Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sauce 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.

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