Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic Shrimp and Cashew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Whole30-friendly stir-fry with tender shrimp, fresh zucchini noodles, and crunchy cashews tossed in aromatic garlic and ginger. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs spiralized into noodles medium zucchini, peeled and deveined large shrimp, raw cashews for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/3 cup raw cashews and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove cashews and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchini noodles to the pan and toss gently with shrimp and aromatics. Pour in 2 tbsp coconut aminos and stir for 2 minutes until noodles soften slightly but remain crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle toasted cashews and 2 sliced green onions on top, and serve immediately for a fresh, Whole30-compliant stir-fry.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic Shrimp and Cashew take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic Shrimp and Cashew?

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 raw cashews from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic Shrimp and Cashew?

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 Shrimp and Cashew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Shrimp and Cashew 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.