Hey there, friend! Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite dishes: lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles. Seriously, it’s a game changer! The bright, zesty flavor of the lemon combined with the savory garlic just brings the shrimp to life, and don’t even get me started on those zucchini noodles! They’re not just a fun twist, but they also add a healthy spin to the meal, making it low-calorie and super satisfying. Plus, it all comes together in just 20 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights or a quick lunch. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
Gather these simple yet vibrant ingredients to whip up your lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (make sure they’re fresh for the best flavor!)
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized (this is where the fun happens—those noodles are a treat!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy, garlic is the star here!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for that rich flavor)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested (the zest adds a punch, trust me!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key, so adjust to your liking!)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (it makes everything look fancy!)
How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
Ready to dive into this delicious dish? Let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a scrumptious meal in no time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Take a moment to enjoy that lovely aroma as it heats up!
- Next, toss in 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it, as you don’t want it to burn!
- Now, add your 1 pound of shrimp to the pan. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re a beautiful pink color. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!
- Once the shrimp are cooked, gently stir in the spiralized zucchini noodles. Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes. You want the noodles to be slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch.
- Now it’s time to brighten things up! Squeeze in the juice and add the zest of 1 lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good toss to combine all those flavors beautifully.
- Finally, garnish with some chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately, and watch everyone dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in just 20 minutes!
- Packed with flavor, thanks to the zesty lemon and aromatic garlic.
- Healthy and low-calorie, making it a great choice for light meals.
- The zucchini noodles are a fun, gluten-free alternative to pasta.
- Customizable—feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or spices!
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
Tips for Success
To make sure your lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles turn out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, feel free to adjust the amount of garlic based on your personal taste—more garlic equals more flavor, so go wild if you love it! Next, be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they only need about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink, or they can get rubbery. Also, if you find the zucchini noodles releasing too much moisture, just sauté them a tad longer to evaporate it. And lastly, don’t skip the parsley garnish—it adds a fresh finish that brightens the entire dish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of my lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
- Sodium: 300mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and low in carbs, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to eat healthier!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture.
What can I substitute for zucchini noodles?
If you’re not a fan of zucchini, try using spaghetti squash or even regular pasta—whatever suits your taste!
How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes would be delicious additions.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you stick to the zucchini noodles, this meal is naturally gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles experience, consider pairing it with a light side salad. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious lemon-garlic sauce. You could also whip up some roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. And don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine—it’s the perfect match for this fresh, vibrant meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No worries! To keep your lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles fresh, place any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for about 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat gently over low heat in a pan. This will help maintain the shrimp’s tenderness and prevent the zucchini noodles from getting mushy. You can add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors as they warm up! Trust me, a quick reheat is all you need for a delicious meal that tastes almost as good as fresh!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles: 20-Minute Delight
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A healthy dish featuring shrimp and zucchini noodles with a lemon garlic flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Stir in zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust garlic amount to taste.
- Use a spiralizer for best noodle texture.
- Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles
