Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew-Free Thai Sauce

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

A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender shrimp and zucchini noodles tossed in a tangy, savory Whole30-compliant Thai-inspired sauce without nuts or soy. This Thai-inspired Whole30 recipe (gluten free), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs medium zucchini, large shrimp, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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 4 Thai cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis (about 4 cups) to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet and pour in 3 tablespoons coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew-Free Thai Sauce 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 Cashew-Free Thai Sauce?

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 medium zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew-Free Thai Sauce?

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-Free Thai Sauce 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-Free Thai Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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