Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew
A vibrant, low-carb stir-fry of tender shrimp and crunchy cashews tossed with spiralized zucchini noodles in a garlicky Whole30-compliant sauce. This asian-inspired whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs peeled and deveined raw shrimp, unsalted raw cashews, divided extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 3, spiralized into noodles (about 4 cups) large zucchini
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined raw shrimp
- 1/3 cup, unsalted raw cashews
- 3 tbsp, divided extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 3/4 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup raw unsalted cashews and toast for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring often. Remove cashews and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves along with 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp and 1/2 tsp sea salt to the skillet. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet and toss in 3 spiralized large zucchini noodles (about 4 cups) with remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until noodles soften but remain slightly firm.
- Step 5: Return shrimp and toasted cashews to the skillet. Pour in 2 tbsp coconut aminos and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Toss everything gently for 1-2 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 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 unsalted raw cashews from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with 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 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 Shrimp and Cashew whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors are spot-on and it's a great way to get veggies in without the carbs.
- ★★★★★
My whole family loved this dish, and it's so quick to make for weeknights.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer for my Whole30 meals! The zucchini noodles hold up perfectly and the shrimp is so tender.