Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic Shrimp and Sesame

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

A quick and colorful keto-friendly stir-fry featuring tender zucchini noodles tossed with garlicky shrimp and toasted sesame seeds. This asian fusion-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spiralized into noodles medium zucchini, peeled and deveined shrimp, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp along with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and 3 spiralized medium zucchinis. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until zucchini noodles are just tender but still slightly crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add back the cooked shrimp, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic Shrimp and Sesame 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Garlic Shrimp and Sesame?

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 peeled and deveined shrimp from drying out.

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

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 Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sesame keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, 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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