Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles

Honestly, weeknight dinners at our place can sometimes feel like a culinary tightrope walk. Balancing healthy eating with speed and, most importantly, flavor that the whole family will actually enjoy? It’s a challenge! That’s why I was so thrilled when I stumbled upon this Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles recipe. From the moment the garlicky aroma started wafting through the kitchen, I knew we were onto something good. And let me tell you, it delivered! My kids, who are usually skeptical of anything green, devoured the zoodles, happily twirling them around their forks with the succulent shrimp. My husband, a self-proclaimed “meat and potatoes” guy, went back for seconds. This dish is not only incredibly easy and quick to whip up – perfect for those hectic evenings – but it’s also packed with flavor and goodness. The tender shrimp, infused with garlic and a hint of spice, pairs beautifully with the light and refreshing zucchini noodles. It’s become a new family favorite, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you so you can experience the same weeknight dinner win!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious and healthy Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles dish. We’ve kept it simple, using fresh, vibrant ingredients to maximize flavor and nutritional value.

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose large shrimp for their meaty texture and satisfying bite. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease of cooking and consumption.
• 4 medium zucchini: Select firm, medium-sized zucchini for optimal noodle texture. Avoid overly large zucchini as they can be seedy and watery.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key to the robust flavor of this dish. Mince it finely to release its aromatic oils.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its healthy fats and rich flavor. It’s essential for sautéing and coating the noodles.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle warmth and subtle spice that complements the garlic and shrimp. Adjust to your spice preference.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty touch. It balances the richness of the garlic and oil.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous note and a pop of color. It’s best when added at the end to preserve its freshness.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors and bring the dish together.

Instructions

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to prepare your Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles. This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.

1. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Wash and trim the ends off the zucchini. Using a spiralizer, vegetable peeler, or julienne peeler, create zucchini noodles (zoodles). If using a vegetable peeler, peel long, thin strips lengthwise down to the seeds, rotating the zucchini as you go. Discard the seedy core. If using pre-made zoodles, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent soggy noodles.
2. Season the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with a pinch of salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
3. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Burnt garlic will taste bitter.
4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
5. Add the Zucchini Noodles: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the shrimp and garlic. Toss gently to combine everything and coat the zoodles with the garlicky oil and shrimp juices.
6. Cook the Zoodles Briefly: Cook the zucchini noodles for just 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. You want them to be slightly softened but still have a little bite. Overcooking will make them mushy. If the pan seems dry, you can add a tablespoon of water to create a little steam and help cook the zoodles.
7. Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. The lemon juice brightens the dish and the parsley adds freshness.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve the Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles immediately while they are hot and flavorful. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, a lemon wedge, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

This Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy and nutritious meal option. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional highlights per serving (estimated for 4 servings):

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories. This is a relatively low-calorie meal, making it great for weight management.
• Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Vitamin C: Zucchini and lemon juice are good sources of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function.

Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific brand details.

Preparation Time

From prep to plate, this Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles recipe is incredibly quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes. This includes washing and spiralizing the zucchini (or prepping pre-made zoodles), peeling and deveining shrimp, and mincing garlic and parsley.
• Cook Time: 10 minutes. The actual cooking process is very fast, with the shrimp and zoodles cooking quickly in the skillet.
• Total Time: 25 minutes. In under half an hour, you can have a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal on the table!

This recipe is truly a lifesaver when you need a fast and nutritious dinner without compromising on flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles

Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to make the most of this dish:

• As a Light Main Course: This recipe is perfectly satisfying on its own as a light yet protein-packed main course. It’s ideal for a healthy and flavorful dinner.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: For a more substantial meal, serve the garlic shrimp and zoodles over a bed of cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous. This adds extra carbohydrates and texture.
• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh side salad, such as a simple green salad, Caprese salad, or cucumber tomato salad, to add extra vegetables and freshness to your meal.
• Alongside Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious garlicky sauce. This is perfect for those who enjoy a little extra indulgence.
• As a Base for Other Proteins: While delicious with shrimp, you can easily adapt this recipe to use other proteins like chicken, scallops, or tofu. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Chilled as a Zoodle Salad: Let the cooked dish cool completely and serve it chilled as a refreshing zoodle salad, perfect for lunch or a light summer meal. You can add a vinaigrette dressing for extra flavor if desired.
• Garnished with Parmesan Cheese: For a richer flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese over the dish just before serving. This adds a salty and savory note.
• With a Spicy Kick: If you like it spicy, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dish for extra heat.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles

To ensure your Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles are absolutely perfect every time, here are some essential tips and tricks:

1. Pat Zoodles Dry: This is crucial! Zucchini is high in water content. After spiralizing, place the zoodles on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and gently press to remove excess moisture. This prevents soggy noodles and ensures they cook beautifully in the skillet.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks very quickly. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. They should be slightly firm to the touch, not overly hard.
3. Don’t Overcook the Zoodles: Zucchini noodles also cook quickly. You want them to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Sauté them for just a few minutes until they slightly soften but still retain some bite.
4. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic is highly recommended for the authentic garlicky taste.
5. Adjust Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just a pinch of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely. If you love spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
6. Lemon Juice is Key: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the garlic and olive oil. Don’t skip it! Lime juice can also be used as a substitute if you prefer.
7. Fresh Herbs Enhance Flavor: Fresh parsley adds a wonderful freshness and herbaceous note. Other fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or chives can also be used to customize the flavor profile. Add herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.
8. Prep Ingredients in Advance: To make this recipe even faster, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Spiralize the zucchini, peel and devein the shrimp, and mince the garlic and parsley. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This will make weeknight cooking a breeze.

FAQ About Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Garlic Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles to help you troubleshoot and perfect your dish:

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels after thawing to remove excess moisture, which will help them brown better in the skillet.

Q2: I don’t have a spiralizer. How else can I make zucchini noodles?
A: No spiralizer? No problem! You can use a vegetable peeler to create wide ribbon-like noodles, or a julienne peeler for thinner noodles. You can also simply cut the zucchini into thin matchsticks. Pre-made zoodles from the grocery store are also a convenient option.

Q3: My zucchini noodles are getting watery. What am I doing wrong?
A: Watery zoodles are a common issue. The key is to pat them dry thoroughly after spiralizing and before cooking. Also, avoid overcooking them. Quickly sautéing them over medium-high heat helps prevent them from releasing too much moisture.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Add them to the skillet along with the zucchini noodles and adjust cooking time as needed.

Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. It’s not recommended to cook the entire dish too far in advance, as the zoodles can become watery and the shrimp can become rubbery upon reheating. However, you can cook the shrimp and garlic separately and then quickly sauté the zoodles and combine everything just before serving.

Q6: Can I use different seasonings?
A: Yes, get creative with your seasonings! Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a sprinkle of paprika can add different flavor profiles. Experiment and find your favorite combination.

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free and low-carb?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it a great option for those following gluten-free or low-carb diets. It relies on zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

Q8: Can I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the zucchini noodles may release more moisture upon storage and reheating. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. It’s generally best enjoyed fresh.

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