GARLIC SHRIMP ZUCCHINI NOODLES
Garlic shrimp zucchini noodles are a light, flavourful and nutrient-packed dish perfect for a quick meal. Juicy shrimp are sautéed with garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil, then tossed with fresh zucchini noodles, creating a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. The addition of lemon juice brightens the dish, enhancing its fresh and savoury taste. This meal is packed with lean protein and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy yet satisfying dish. It’s quick to prepare, requires only a few simple ingredients and has minimal cooking time, making it ideal for busy days. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a guilt-free and delicious meal, whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad. The simplicity of the ingredients allows for easy customisation, making it a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit different taste preferences.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Sauté, Pan-Fry, One-Pot Wonders, Quick & Easy
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Light Lunch, Weeknight Meal, Family Dinner, Potluck
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low-Carb, Low Fat, High Protein, Quick & Easy, Wheat/Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Pasta Alternative
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for the Garlic shrimp zucchini noodles:
- 100g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 small zucchini, spiralised
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fibre: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Ingredients: Spiralise the zucchini, mince the garlic and season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Heat The Olive Oil: In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium flame.
- Cook The Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté The Garlic: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss In Zucchini Noodles: Add the spiralised zucchini and toss gently for 1-2 minutes until just tender.
- Combine Everything: Return the shrimp to the pan, drizzle with lemon juice and toss to combine.
- Serve And Enjoy: Transfer to a plate and serve immediately.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink.
- Keep Zucchini Crisp: Sauté zucchini noodles for only a minute or two to prevent sogginess.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the dish’s bright and fresh taste.
- Avoid Excess Moisture: Pat the zucchini noodles dry with a paper towel before cooking to prevent a watery dish.
- Add Extra Flavour: Toss in red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra flavour boost.
- Serve Immediately: Zucchini noodles release moisture over time, so this dish is best eaten fresh.
VARIATIONS
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Garlic Butter Version: Swap olive oil for garlic butter for a richer taste.
- Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken or tofu alongside the shrimp.
- Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for added depth.
- Asian Twist: Use sesame oil instead of olive oil and add soy sauce or ginger.
- Citrus Upgrade: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a tangy alternative.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan for best results.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as zucchini noodles become watery when thawed.
- Meal Prep Tip: Spiralise the zucchini and marinate the shrimp in advance for quick assembly.