Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Shrimp and Chili

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

Tender zucchini noodles stir-fried with garlic, chili flakes, and succulent shrimp for a light, low-carb dinner. This asian fusion-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs peeled and deveined raw shrimp, olive oil, large, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb peeled shrimp seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet along with 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add spiralized zucchini noodles (about 6 cups) to the skillet and toss gently with the garlic and chili oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are just tender and slightly wilted but still firm.
  4. Step 4: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle with remaining 1/4 tsp salt, and toss everything together. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Plate and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Shrimp and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Shrimp and Chili?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Shrimp and Chili?

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 Shrimp and Chili 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Garlic Shrimp and Chili 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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