Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Basil
A light, vibrant stir-fry featuring spiralized zucchini, plump shrimp, and fresh basil in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. This asian-inspired quick meals (dairy-free, low-carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs zucchini, shrimp, avocado oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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 medium, spiralized zucchini
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1, juiced lime
- 1/4 cup, torn fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp minced ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 3 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring frequently.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, then stir in 1 tsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss until heated through, then off heat, stir in 1/4 cup torn fresh basil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Basil 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 Shrimp and Basil?
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 zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Basil?
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 Shrimp and Basil 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 Shrimp and Basil dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! The shrimp and basil made the dish so fresh and delicious. My family loved it.
- ★★★★★
Quick and easy, and the zucchini noodles held up perfectly. I'll make this again for dinner.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. The basil adds a wonderful aroma and taste.
