Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Garlic Shrimp

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

A quick keto stir-fry combining tender zucchini noodles with garlicky shrimp and a hint of chili for a flavorful low-carb dinner. This asian-inspired seafood (keto, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs medium zucchini, raw shrimp, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined raw shrimp, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and 3 spiralized medium zucchini noodles. Stir-fry zucchini for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet and add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, tossing everything together for 1 minute until heated through and coated.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Garlic Shrimp 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 Spicy Garlic Shrimp?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Garlic Shrimp?

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 Spicy Garlic Shrimp for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Spicy Garlic Shrimp keto?

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

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