Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic
A light, flavorful dish featuring spiralized zucchini, succulent shrimp, and aromatic garlic in a savory sauce. This asian-inspired whole30 (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium zucchini, shrimp, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 12 oz shrimp
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh basil
- 1 lemon
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Spiralize 4 medium zucchini into noodles and set aside. Pat 12 oz shrimp dry and season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet with any remaining garlic oil. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender but still firm. Return shrimp to the pan, add 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, and squeeze juice from 1 lemon. Toss for 1 minute until heated through.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic?
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 medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic?
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 Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic 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 Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp and Garlic low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged 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
- ★★★★★
The best stir-fry I've made in a while. So flavorful and healthy.
- ★★★★★
My family loved the zucchini noodles, and it was so quick to make. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer for my Whole30 meals! The shrimp was perfectly cooked and the garlic flavor was amazing.
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