Lemon garlic shrimp with zucchini noodles is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful dish that brings a fresh and vibrant twist to your dinner table. This meal has become a comfort food favorite in our home. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, and bright lemon flavors is pure bliss, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
At the heart of this dish are simple yet impactful ingredients: one pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined, two medium zucchinis spiralized into fun, noodle-like strands, and three cloves of garlic minced to perfection. Together with two tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and seasoning of salt and pepper, you create a dish that is bursting with flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, while chopped parsley offers a beautiful touch of freshness.
The preparation is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet and sautéing garlic until fragrant. Next, add the shrimp, season it well, and cook until they’re pink and opaque. Stir in the zucchini noodles and lemon juice, cooking everything until the noodles are tender, then garnish with fresh parsley right before serving. It’s as simple as that!
This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when entertaining friends and family. It’s light yet satisfying, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
- Quick: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and vibrant veggies, it’s nutritious and low in carbs.
- Comforting Flavor: The garlic and lemon create a delicious, comforting taste that everyone loves.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find most of these ingredients in your pantry or at your local grocery store.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with different seasonings or vegetables based on your preferences.
Shrimp Tips
When selecting shrimp for this dish, freshness is key. Always look for shrimp that smell clean and briny, like the ocean. The shells should be shiny and firm, with no dark spots or a strong odor. If buying frozen shrimp, opt for uncooked and shell-on if possible; they usually have a better taste and texture when cooked. If you’re in a pinch, pre-cooked shrimp can be used, but be careful not to overcook them during the sautéing process, or they will become rubbery.
Options for Substitutions
- Chicken: Substitute shrimp for cooked, diced chicken breast for a heartier option.
- Spaghetti Squash: Replace zucchini noodles with spiralized spaghetti squash for an even lower carb count.
- Garlic Powder: If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used; just adjust to taste.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Can be swapped for avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
- Cilantro: If you dislike parsley, fresh cilantro adds a vibrant twist to the finished dish.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra lemony brightness, include zest from the lemon along with the juice.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
While this dish is simple, a few common pitfalls can affect your results. One of the most frequent mistakes is overcooking the shrimp. They only need a few minutes in the skillet until they turn pink and opaque. If left too long, they can become tough and chewy.
Another mistake is adding the zucchini noodles too early. Zucchini cooks quickly, and if added too soon, it can become mushy. Instead, they should be added just after the shrimp have cooked through.
Lastly, be cautious with seasoning. Too little salt and pepper can make the dish bland, while too much can overpower the delicate flavors. Start with a teaspoon of each, and adjust according to your palate.
What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A light, crisp salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette complements the flavors wonderfully. You could also serve it with garlic bread for those who enjoy a little something extra. If you want a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nutrition.
Storage Instructions
Store: Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freeze: If you’d like to freeze the dish, transfer it to a freezer-safe container where it can last up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to check every 30 seconds to prevent overcooking.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 420-480
Protein: 40-50 grams
Fat: 25-30 grams
Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for a minute, ensuring it’s hot but not smoking.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about one minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can affect the overall flavor.
Step 3: Cook Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 4: Add Zucchini Noodles
Once the shrimp are cooked, add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Pour in the lemon juice and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious lemon garlic shrimp with zucchini noodles!
Conclusion
Lemon garlic shrimp with zucchini noodles is a delightful dish that combines health and flavor effortlessly. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for any cook, whether you are an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen. I encourage you to try this recipe, savor the delicious flavors, and share your experiences in the comments. If you loved this dish, explore my other recipes for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time. Just make sure to not overcook the shrimp so they retain their texture when reheated.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as all the ingredients are gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Print
Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A light and vibrant dish featuring succulent shrimp, garlic, and spiralized zucchini noodles, perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Add the zucchini noodles and lemon juice, tossing everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider including lemon zest or substitute zucchini noodles with spaghetti squash.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200mg