Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Shrimp
Light and fresh zucchini noodles tossed with succulent shrimp sautéed in a fragrant ginger and garlic sesame sauce, perfect for a Whole30-compliant quick dinner. This asian-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, finely grated fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves 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.
Ingredients
- 3, spiralized into noodles (about 6 cups) large zucchini
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 1 tbsp, finely grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1, cut into wedges lime
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp along with 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer shrimp to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and 6 cups spiralized zucchini noodles. Toss noodles with 3 tbsp coconut aminos and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until noodles soften but remain slightly firm.
- Step 3: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently with noodles to combine and warm through for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame Shrimp 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 Ginger-Sesame 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 finely grated fresh ginger from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ginger-Sesame 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 Ginger-Sesame Shrimp 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 Ginger-Sesame Shrimp whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, low carb, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.