The Best Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick-cooked shrimp with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce served over vibrant zucchini noodles for a light yet satisfying low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 32 minutes pairs shrimp, medium zucchini, olive oil 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Spiralize 3 medium zucchini into noodles using a spiralizer. Toss with 1/4 tsp salt and set aside to release excess moisture for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Pat 12 oz shrimp dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze juice from 1 large lemon into the skillet with any lemon zest. Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 tsp salt. Simmer for 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  6. Step 6: Squeeze excess water from zucchini noodles and add to the skillet with the lemon sauce. Toss for 2 minutes until noodles are tender-crisp and coated. Return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 The Best Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?

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 The Best Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles 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 The Best Lemon-Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles 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.

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