Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Lemon
A vibrant, low-carb meal featuring plump shrimp and tender zucchini noodles tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with fresh herbs. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs zucchini noodles, shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz zucchini noodles
- 1 lb shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, add lemon zest and juice, and chopped parsley. Toss for 1 minute until heated through, then season with salt and pepper.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Lemon 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 Lemon?
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 noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Lemon?
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 Lemon 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.
What goes well with Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Shrimp and Lemon?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. My husband even ate his veggies for once!
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So fresh and light, and the lemon zest gave it that extra pop.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The zucchini noodles held up well and the shrimp was cooked to perfection.
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