🍋 Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 20 minutes
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Servings: 2
Ingredients
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Shrimp: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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Zoodles: 3 medium zucchinis (spiralized)
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Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
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Fat: 2 tbsp unsalted butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
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Acid: Juice of 1 lemon + zest of half a lemon
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Spice: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Herbs: 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
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Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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Sauté: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.
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Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it burn!).
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Toss the Zoodles: Add the zucchini noodles to the pan. Toss constantly for 2 minutes. You want them “al dente”—just tender but still holding their shape.
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Combine: Return the shrimp to the pan. Pour in the lemon juice and zest. Toss everything together for another minute to heat through.
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Garnish: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips & Notes
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Dry the Zoodles: Zucchini is 95% water. After spiralizing, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This prevents a watery sauce.
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High Heat is Key: Cook the shrimp and zoodles quickly over high heat to get a nice sear without overcooking the centers.
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Don’t Overcook: Zoodles turn to mush very fast. Two minutes in the pan is usually the sweet spot.
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Net Carbs | 8g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
🌟 Health Benefits
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High Protein: Shrimp is a lean protein source that aids in muscle repair.
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Anti-Inflammatory: Garlic and lemon are powerhouses for the immune system and reducing inflammation.
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Low Glycemic: Since this recipe uses zucchini instead of wheat pasta, it won’t cause a blood sugar spike, making it great for keto or diabetic-friendly diets.
❓ Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted very dry before cooking so they sear instead of steam.
Q: I don’t have a spiralizer. What can I do?
A: You can use a vegetable peeler to create long “ribbons” or just buy pre-spiralized zoodles at most grocery stores.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: This dish is best fresh. Zoodles release water when stored, so if you do have leftovers, drain the liquid before reheating briefly on the stovetop.