Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic-Butter Shrimp
Tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter served over lightly sautéed zucchini noodles for a flavorful, low-carb dinner. This asian fusion-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spiralized into noodles medium zucchini, peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 3, spiralized into noodles medium zucchini
- 12, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 peeled and deveined large shrimp, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste, and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque; remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the spiralized noodles from 3 medium zucchinis to the skillet, tossing gently in the garlic butter for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still al dente.
- Step 4: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over everything, and toss gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic-Butter Shrimp 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic-Butter Shrimp?
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 unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic-Butter Shrimp?
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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic-Butter Shrimp 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic-Butter Shrimp 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.
