Succulent garlic butter shrimp served over spiralized zucchini noodles. Only 280 kcal with 32g protein. The ultimate low-carb dinner.
Ingredients
-
300g
Large shrimp (peeled)
-
3 medium
Zucchini
-
1 tbsp
Butter
-
4 cloves
Garlic
-
¼ tsp
Red pepper flakes
-
½
Lemon
-
1 tbsp
Olive oil
-
2 tbsp
Fresh parsley
Instructions
1
Spiralize zucchini
Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to create zucchini noodles. Lightly salt and let sit on paper towels for 5 minutes to draw out moisture.
2
Cook shrimp
Pat shrimp dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil over high heat, cook shrimp 2 minutes per side until pink and curled. Remove immediately.
3
Make garlic butter
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute until garlic is golden and fragrant.
4
Combine
Add zucchini noodles to the garlic butter, toss 2 minutes until just wilted (not mushy). Return shrimp, squeeze lemon, toss with parsley. Serve immediately.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles recipe shines with fresh flavors and a quick preparation time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The combination of succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic butter infuses the zucchini noodles with rich taste while keeping the dish low in carbohydrates. Using a spiralizer allows for the creation of a delightful noodle-like texture from zucchinis, which is a healthy alternative to traditional pasta. The addition of red pepper flakes adds a hint of heat, while fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon brighten the dish up, making it not only savory but also refreshing.
Meal Prep Tips
For efficient meal prep, cook the shrimp and garlic butter in advance, but save the spiralizing of the zucchini for when you plan to serve the dish. Pre-cut zucchini noodles tend to release water quickly, leading to sogginess even when refrigerated. By following this method, you can have a delicious, low-carb meal ready in minutes.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Salting the zucchini noodles beforehand helps drain excess moisture, preventing them from becoming soggy.
- Pat the shrimp dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear and keep them from steaming.
- Cook the shrimp just until pink and curled to avoid overcooking.
- Use a high heat for a quick cook on the shrimp, ensuring that they don't lose moisture.
- Garnish with additional lemon or parsley before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
Variations
- Chicken Alfredo Zoodles: Substitute shrimp for sliced grilled chicken and replace garlic butter with a creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Spicy Shrimp Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Veggie Zoodles: Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and variety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking Zucchini: Avoid cooking the zucchini too long; they should be just wilted, not mushy.
- Using Wet Zucchini: Not drawing out moisture from zucchini before cooking leads to soggy noodles.
- Frozen Shrimp: Using thawed/shrimp can be less flavorful; always check your shrimp freshness.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent soggy zucchini noodles?
Three tips: salt them beforehand to draw out water, don't overcook (2 minutes max in the pan), and never cover the pan. Zucchini is 95% water, so managing moisture is everything.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Thaw under cold running water for 5 minutes, then pat completely dry. Frozen shrimp is often fresher than "fresh" shrimp at the counter, which was usually frozen and thawed anyway.
What other protein works with zucchini noodles?
Grilled chicken, pan-seared scallops, or crumbled Italian sausage all pair beautifully. The garlic butter base works with almost any protein.
How do I spiralize zucchini without a spiralizer?
Use a julienne peeler to create thin strips, or a regular vegetable peeler for wider ribbons. You can also use a box grater on the large-hole side for thicker noodle-like shreds.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Cook the shrimp and garlic butter ahead, but spiralize the zucchini fresh when serving. Pre-cut zucchini noodles release water quickly and turn soggy within hours, even when refrigerated.
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