Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Shrimp and Thai Basil

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

Quick stir-fried zucchini noodles tossed with succulent shrimp, fresh Thai basil, and a tangy lime-garlic sauce for a light, Whole30-compliant meal. This Thai-inspired seafood recipe (whole30, low carb), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs large zucchini, shrimp, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Thai cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp, sprinkle with 1/4 tsp black pepper, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add spiralized noodles from 3 large zucchinis and toss for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
  4. Step 4: Return shrimp to the skillet, then pour in 1 tbsp fish sauce and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Toss everything together for 1 minute until noodles are coated and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fried with Shrimp and Thai Basil 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 Shrimp and Thai Basil?

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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Shrimp and Thai Basil?

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 Shrimp and Thai Basil 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 Noodles Stir-Fried with Shrimp and Thai Basil whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, 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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