Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles* dish! It’s a delightful burst of flavors that just screams fresh and vibrant. The succulent shrimp, perfectly seared, paired with the light, zesty goodness of lemon and the aromatic garlic – it’s a match made in culinary heaven! And don’t even get me started on those zucchini noodles; they add the perfect crunch and are such a wonderful, healthy twist. I whip this up whenever I want something quick yet satisfying, and honestly, it never fails to impress. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in those veggies. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – I love using fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen works too; just make sure it’s fully thawed!
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized – This is where we get our zoodles! You can use a spiralizer, or if you don’t have one, a vegetable peeler can work in a pinch.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely richness, so don’t skimp here!
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The more garlic, the better, right? It adds such a fragrant punch!
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested – This brightens the dish beautifully. Make sure to zest before juicing!
- Salt and pepper to taste – I always say, season generously for the best results!
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish – It adds a pop of color and freshness at the end!
How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
- First things first, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want that oil nice and hot, but not smoking!
- Once the oil is shimmering, add in 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. Wow, the aroma is amazing!
- Next, toss in your 1 pound of shrimp. Cook these little guys for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t walk away; they cook quickly!
- Now, here’s where the magic happens! Stir in the spiralized 2 medium zucchini, along with the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes. We want the zucchini noodles to be just tender but still have a nice bite to them.
- As you cook, season generously with salt and pepper to taste. I like to give it a good sprinkle! Taste and adjust if needed.
- When everything is beautifully combined and the zucchini has softened, remove the skillet from heat. Don’t forget to garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for that extra pop of color!
- And just like that, you’re ready to serve! Enjoy this light, flavorful dish warm and bask in the compliments you’ll receive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Light and healthy, making it a guilt-free meal option.
- Full of vibrant flavors that will brighten up your dinner table.
- Suitable for various diets, including low-calorie and gluten-free.
- Uses fresh ingredients, making it feel like a gourmet dish at home.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to really nail this *lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles* dish! First and foremost, always opt for fresh shrimp if you can. The flavor difference is absolutely worth it! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure it’s completely thawed beforehand to ensure even cooking.
Now, when it comes to the lemon, I like to start with less juice and then add more as you taste. Everyone has their own lemon preference, and you don’t want it to overwhelm the dish. Oh, and don’t forget to zest that lemon before juicing—it adds such a lovely depth of flavor!
If you’re looking for a little bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. It gives a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Lastly, feel free to play around with your veggies—adding bell peppers or spinach can make it even more vibrant and nutritious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this *lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles*, you’re in luck! To store, simply place the cooled dish in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I recommend enjoying it fresh, but it’s still delicious reheated!
When you’re ready to dig in again, just pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Enjoy those flavors all over again!
Nutritional Information for Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
Now, let’s talk numbers! This *lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles* dish is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. Each serving packs around 250 calories, with 10g of fat, 25g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a wholesome meal that’s light on calories but heavy on flavor!
FAQ About Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
Can I substitute zucchini noodles with regular pasta?
Absolutely! If you prefer traditional pasta, feel free to use spaghetti or your favorite type. Just cook it according to the package instructions and toss it in with the shrimp and sauce!
What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
No worries! You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini. It might not be as noodle-like, but it’ll still taste fantastic!
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a fiery kick, add some red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. You can also toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat!
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works just fine! Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking. This way, you’ll get that juicy texture we all love!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding bell peppers, spinach, or even cherry tomatoes. They’ll add color and additional nutrients to your dish!
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
This *lemon garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles* dish is so versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! For a refreshing touch, serve it alongside a crisp, mixed green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette. The bright flavors complement each other beautifully! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious lemon garlic sauce. You could even add a side of roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious boost. Whatever you choose, this dish will surely shine!
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, check out this Healthline article.
And if you’re curious about the nutritional value of zucchini, you can find details in this Medical News Today article.
Print
Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles made easy!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A light and flavorful dish featuring shrimp and zucchini noodles tossed in a lemon garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque.
- Stir in zucchini noodles and lemon juice and zest.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until zucchini is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
- Adjust lemon juice according to your taste.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.
- 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: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: lemon garlic shrimp, zucchini noodles, healthy shrimp recipe
