Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Quick stir-fry of shrimp with fresh zucchini noodles and sweet cherry tomatoes, flavored with garlic and lemon for a light Whole30-friendly dinner. This american-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, zucchini noodles, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups zucchini noodles and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Toss and cook for 3-4 minutes until noodles soften but retain some crunch.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp sea salt. Stir to combine and warm through for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Stir-Fried Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Cherry Tomatoes 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.

Related recipes