Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Butter Shrimp
Tender shrimp sautéed in garlic butter paired with light zucchini noodles for a flavorful, low-carb keto meal. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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 pieces, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1/4 tsp, divided black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot. Add 12 peeled and deveined large shrimp seasoned with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp butter and 4 minced garlic cloves, cooking over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Add 2 spiralized medium zucchinis (zoodles) and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, drizzle with 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, and toss everything together for 1 minute to combine and heat through.
- Step 5: Serve hot garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Butter 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Butter Shrimp?
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 butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Butter 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Butter Shrimp for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Butter Shrimp keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
