Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is more than just a recipe; It is a delicious dish that brings a fresh and vibrant twist to your dinner table. This meal has become a favorite comfort food in our house. The combination of juicy shrimp, garlic and bright lemon flavors is pure bliss, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual weekend dinners.
At the heart of this dish are simple but impressive ingredients: one pound of shrimp, deveined and deveined, two medium-sized zucchini spiralized into fun, noodle-like strands, and three cloves of garlic done to perfection. By combining two tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and a seasoning of salt and pepper, you create a dish that is packed with flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat, while chopped parsley provides a lovely touch of freshness.
Preparation is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. First of all, heat olive oil in a pan and fry the garlic until fragrant. Next, add the prawns, season it well and cook until they turn pink and opaque. Add the zucchini noodles and lemon juice, cook everything until the noodles are soft, then garnish with fresh parsley just before serving. Its as simple as that!
This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals or for entertaining friends and family. It is light yet satisfying, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy nutritious food without compromising on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
- Quick:This recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Healthy: Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, it’s nutritious and low in carbs.
- comfortable taste:Garlic and lemon create a delicious, comforting flavor that everyone loves.
- simple ingredients: You can find most of these ingredients in your pantry or at your local grocery store.
- versatile:You can easily customize it with different spices or vegetables depending on your preference.
Shrimp Tips
Freshness is important when choosing shrimp for this dish. Always look for shrimp that smell like the ocean, clean and salty. The shells should be shiny and firm, with no dark spots or strong odor. If purchasing frozen shrimp, choose raw and peeled shrimp if possible; Their flavor and texture are usually better when cooked. If you are in a pinch, pre-cooked shrimp can be used, but be careful not to overcook them during the frying process, otherwise they will become rubbery.
options for replacement
- Cock: Use shrimp in place of cooked, shredded chicken breasts for a more flavorful option.
- spaghetti squash: Replace the zucchini noodles with spiralized spaghetti squash for a lower carb count.
- garlic powder: If you do not have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used; Just adjust as per taste.
- extra virgin olive oil:Can be replaced with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
- Cilantro:If you dislike parsley, fresh cilantro adds a lively twist to the finished dish.
- lemon juice: For extra lemony brightness, include lemon peel with the juice.
Be careful of these mistakes
Although this recipe is simple, some common shortcomings can affect your results. One of the most common mistakes is overcooking shrimp. They only need a few minutes in the pan, until they’re pink and opaque. If left out too long, they can become tough and chewy.
Another mistake is to add the zucchini noodles too early. Zucchini cooks quickly, and can become mushy if added too early. Instead, they should be added immediately after the shrimp are cooked.
lastly, be careful while adding the masala. Too little salt and pepper can make the dish bland, while too much salt and pepper can overpower its delicate flavor. Start with a teaspoon of each, and adjust according to your taste.
What to serve with lemon garlic shrimp with zucchini noodles?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. A light, crisp salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette rounds out the flavors wonderfully. You can also serve it with garlic bread for those who enjoy something extra. If you want a more nutritious meal, consider mixing it with quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nutrition.
storage instructions
gather: Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
freeze: If you want to freeze the dish, transfer it to a freezer-safe container where it can last for up to 3 months.
Heating: To reheat, heat it over low heat on the stovetop until hot. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to check every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
Recipe information
preparation time: 10 minutes
cooking time: 10-15 minutes
total time: 20-25 minutes
difficulty level: Easy
servings: 4 servings
estimated nutrition
Approximate nutrition for the entire recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 420-480
Protein: 40-50 grams
Fat: 25-30 grams
Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
Material
- 1 pound shrimp, deveined and deveined
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red chilli pieces (optional)
- chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Let it heat for a minute, making sure it is hot but not smoking.
Step 2: Roast the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about a minute. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can affect the overall flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pan. Add salt, pepper and red chili flakes, if using. Cook the shrimp for about 3-4 minutes until they are pink and opaque.
Step 4: Add Zucchini Noodles
Once the shrimp are cooked, add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the wok. Add lemon juice and mix everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the flame. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles!
conclusion
Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is a delicious dish that seamlessly combines health and flavor. Its ease of preparation makes it suitable for any cook, whether you’re an experienced chef or just starting out in the kitchen. I encourage you to try this recipe, enjoy the delicious flavors, and share your experiences in the comments. If you liked this recipe, check out my other recipes for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
Is this dish suitable for food preparation?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well and can be made ahead of time. Just make sure not to overcook the shrimp so that they retain their texture when reheated.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as all ingredients are gluten-free, making it safe for people with gluten sensitivities.
impression
Description
A light and lively dish featuring juicy shrimp, garlic and spiralized zucchini noodles, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- 1 pound shrimp, deveined and deveined
- 2 medium zucchini, spiral
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red chilli pieces (optional)
- chopped parsley for garnish
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about a minute.
- Add the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mixing everything together, add the zucchini noodles and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
notes
For added flavor, consider adding lemon zest or zucchini noodles in place of the spaghetti squash.
nutrition
- serving size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- thick: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fats: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
