Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew-Ginger Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light zucchini noodles tossed with tender shrimp and a vibrant cashew-ginger sauce make a colorful, Whole30-friendly stir-fry. This asian fusion-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes blends peeled and deveined raw shrimp, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 1/4 cup soaked and drained raw cashews, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp coconut aminos, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Blend until smooth, adding 1-2 tbsp water if needed to reach a pourable sauce consistency.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined raw shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp sesame oil and 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles. Toss zucchini noodles with 1/4 tsp red chili flakes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until just tender but still slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, pour the cashew-ginger sauce over the shrimp and noodles, and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to heat through and coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving this Whole30-friendly shrimp stir-fry.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew-Ginger Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew-Ginger Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Cashew-Ginger 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-Ginger 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-Ginger Sauce whole30?

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

Related recipes