Okay, real talk: weeknights are crazy, right? We’re all just trying to get something healthy-ish on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle recipe comes in. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver!
I remember the first time I tried zucchini noodles (zoodles!). I was skeptical, I admit it. But wow, they’re such a game changer! Now I use them all the time. And this Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle dish? It’s one of my go-tos. It’s ready in, like, *20 minutes*, and it’s totally low carb if you’re into that (or just trying to eat a little lighter). Plus, the flavor? Forget about it! The lemon and garlic just sing together. You gotta try it!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle Recipe
Okay, so why *this* recipe? Let me tell you, it’s got it all! Seriously, check out these wins:
- Super quick – we’re talking weeknight dinner hero material.
- Easy peasy – even if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, you got this!
- Packed with flavor – lemon and garlic? Yes, please!
- Healthy-ish (but still delicious!) – zucchini noodles are your friend.
- Low carb – if that’s your jam.
- One-pan wonder – fewer dishes? Hallelujah!
Quick and Easy
Seriously, from fridge to table in about 20 minutes? That’s faster than ordering takeout! And honestly, most of that time is just letting the shrimp cook. You can spiralize the zucchini while the skillet heats up. It’s so fast, it’s almost ridiculous. In a good way!
Healthy and Low Carb
Zucchini noodles are the secret weapon here! They’re such a fantastic alternative to regular pasta. You get to twirl your “noodles” and feel like you’re indulging, but you’re really loading up on veggies. Plus, they’re naturally low in carbs, so you can totally feel good about what you’re eating!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need about 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined – trust me, it’s worth the extra couple of bucks to buy them that way!), 2 medium zucchini (spiralized into noodles – you can use a spiralizer or even a veggie peeler), 4 cloves of garlic (minced!), 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (the bottled stuff just isn’t the same!), 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, a 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick!), plus salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Got it? Good, let’s cook!
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s the lowdown on how to make this magic happen. Don’t stress, it’s seriously easy! Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle dish in no time.
Preparing the Lemon Garlic Base
First things first: Grab a large skillet (non-stick is your friend here!) and preheat it over medium heat. Then, drizzle in that 1/4 cup of olive oil. Once the oil’s nice and hot, toss in your minced garlic and those red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Cook it for about a minute, until the garlic is fragrant. You’ll *know* when it’s ready – that smell is amazing! Just be careful not to burn the garlic, okay?
Cooking the Shrimp
Now comes the shrimp! Add those little guys to the skillet and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are cooked all the way through. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sauté. No one wants rubbery shrimp! If you’ve got a lot of shrimp, cook them in batches.
Adding the Zucchini Noodles and Finishing Touches
Alright, almost there! Now, add your zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss them around to coat them in all that garlicky, shrimpy goodness. Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle in the parsley. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Now, here’s the KEY: cook the zucchini noodles for just 1-2 minutes, until they’re *slightly* tender. Seriously, don’t overcook them, or they’ll get mushy, and nobody wants mushy zoodles! They should still have a little bit of a bite to them. Give everything one last toss, and boom! You’re done. Serve it up immediately, and get ready for some serious flavor!
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle
Want to take your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle game to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a couple of my favorite tricks for guaranteed deliciousness. Trust me, these make a difference!
Don’t Overcook the Zucchini Noodles (Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle)
Seriously, I can’t stress this enough: zucchini noodles cook *fast*. Overcooked zoodles are mushy and sad. Aim for slightly tender-crisp. They should still have a little bite! Pull them off the heat as soon as they’re ready.
Marinate the Shrimp for Extra Flavor (Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle)
Got a little extra time? Marinate the shrimp! Toss them in a bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice, a clove of minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. Let them hang out in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking. Wow, what a difference it makes! SO much flavor!
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! This recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Here are a couple of my favorite tweaks:
Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle
Want to kick things up a notch? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes when you’re cooking the garlic. Or, for a serious punch, try a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. Careful, though – a little goes a long way!
Creamy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle
If you’re craving something a little richer, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end. It makes the sauce super velvety and delicious! I love using coconut milk for a dairy-free option that’s still totally decadent.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle FAQs
Got questions about making the perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe. Let’s get you cooking with confidence!
Can I use regular pasta instead of zucchini noodles in Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle?
Sure, you *can*, but it’s not quite the same! Regular pasta will take longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Also, the texture will be totally different. Zucchini noodles are light and refreshing, while pasta is, well, pasta! But hey, if you’re craving pasta, go for it!
How do I store leftover Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle?
Leftovers are the best! Store your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2-3 days. Just be aware that the zucchini noodles might release a little water as they sit, so it might not be *quite* as perfect as it was fresh, but it’ll still be tasty!
Can I make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time! Spiralize the zucchini noodles and mince the garlic. Store them separately in the fridge. You can even marinate the shrimp in advance! When you’re ready to cook, it’ll come together in minutes. I wouldn’t recommend cooking the whole dish ahead of time, though, as the zucchini noodles can get a little soggy.
Storing and Reheating Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. When you’re ready to dig in again, just microwave it for a minute or two, or gently reheat it in a skillet. Careful not to overcook the shrimp! It’s still yummy the next day, promise!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle
Okay, so just a heads-up: the nutrition info can vary depending on the brands you use, y’know? So, don’t take it as gospel!
Enjoy Your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle!
Alright, that’s it! Now go whip up some Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle and let me know what you think! Leave a comment or rate the recipe – I wanna hear all about it!
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Disgustingly Easy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle in 20
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Quick and easy lemon garlic shrimp with zucchini noodles. A healthy and flavorful meal ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until zucchini is slightly tender.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Do not overcook the zucchini noodles or they will become mushy.
- Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
