LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP ZOODLES

I’ll never forget the first time I tried zucchini noodles. I was skeptical, honestly, but one bite of a vibrant, flavorful dish at a friend’s house changed my mind forever. It was a Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle creation, and the bright flavors danced on my tongue. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle dish you’ll ever make!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle: A Flavor Explosion!

This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a vibrant, healthy, and incredibly delicious way to enjoy the best of summer flavors. The bright, zesty lemon, the pungent garlic, and the succulent shrimp, all tossed with tender zucchini noodles, create a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light and impressive lunch. We’re talking about a dish that’s low-carb, gluten-free (naturally!), and packed with nutrients. Zucchini noodles are a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta, offering a satisfying bite without the heaviness. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Why I Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes! * **Healthy and Delicious:** Low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients. * **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your taste preferences. * **Flavorful:** The lemon garlic sauce is absolutely divine. * **Impressive:** Perfect for a weeknight meal or a dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Zucchini:** The star of the show! Choose firm, medium-sized zucchini for the best noodles. * **Shrimp:** I prefer using large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp (thawed, of course!). * **Garlic:** Lots of it! Garlic is essential for that signature flavor. * **Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for the bright, citrusy flavor. * **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its flavor and health benefits. * **Red Pepper Flakes:** For a touch of heat (optional, but highly recommended!). * **Parsley:** Fresh parsley, chopped, adds a pop of color and freshness. * **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, of course! * **Optional Add-ins:** Cherry tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, or a splash of white wine.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:** Wash and dry the zucchini. Use a spiralizer, julienne peeler, or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles. If using a vegetable peeler, slice the zucchini into thin, ribbon-like strips. 2. **Salt the Zucchini Noodles:** Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle with salt. This helps draw out excess moisture and prevents them from becoming soggy. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. 3. **Pat Dry:** After salting, gently squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini noodles using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for preventing a watery dish. 4. **Prepare the Shrimp:** While the zucchini noodles are salting, prepare the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the pan. 5. **Mince the Garlic:** Mince the garlic cloves. Freshly minced garlic is always best for flavor. 6. **Zest and Juice the Lemon:** Zest the lemon using a microplane or zester. Then, juice the lemon. You’ll need about 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. 7. **Heat the Olive Oil:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The skillet should be large enough to accommodate all the zucchini noodles and shrimp. 8. **Sauté the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the hot olive oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! 9. **Add the Shrimp:** Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. 10. **Remove the Shrimp:** Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside. 11. **Add the Zucchini Noodles:** Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook them, or they will become mushy. 12. **Add the Lemon Juice and Zest:** Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet and stir to combine. 13. **Add the Red Pepper Flakes:** Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and stir to combine. 14. **Return the Shrimp:** Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine. 15. **Season with Salt and Pepper:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. 16. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Success Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodles

* **Don’t skip the salting step!** This is crucial for removing excess moisture from the zucchini noodles and preventing a watery dish. * **Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles!** They should be tender-crisp, not mushy. * **Use fresh ingredients!** Fresh lemon juice, zest, and garlic make a huge difference in the flavor of the dish. * **Adjust the seasoning to your liking!** Add more or less salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. * **Serve immediately!** Zucchini noodles are best served fresh.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas: * **Add vegetables:** Cherry tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus would all be delicious additions. * **Add protein:** Chicken, sausage, or tofu would be great alternatives to shrimp. * **Make it creamy:** Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier sauce. * **Add cheese:** Parmesan cheese, feta cheese, or goat cheese would all be delicious additions. * **Spice it up:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. * **Make it vegan:** Omit the shrimp and add tofu or tempeh. Use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy zucchini, you might like Roasted Parmesan Zucchini. It’s another super simple and delicious way to prepare this versatile vegetable. And for a comforting pasta dish with a hidden veggie boost, try Creamy Zucchini Pasta Sauce – you’ll be amazed at how creamy and flavorful it is!

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle dish is delicious on its own as a light meal. However, it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions: * **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing! * **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. * **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. * **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** For a heartier meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time. * **Zucchini Noodles:** You can spiralize the zucchini noodles up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remember to salt them just before cooking to prevent them from becoming soggy. * **Shrimp:** You can peel and devein the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. * **Lemon Garlic Sauce:** You can prepare the lemon garlic sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the zucchini noodles may become a bit softer over time. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.

Other Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of garlic butter and creamy sauces, you absolutely must try Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Pasta. It’s another quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. And for a lighter, equally flavorful option, check out Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce – it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. You might also enjoy Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini & Corn for a summer-inspired meal. Or, for another take on zucchini noodles, you might be interested in Creamy Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo.

The Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings **Prep time:** 15 minutes **Cook time:** 15 minutes **Ingredients:** * 4 medium zucchini, spiralized or julienned * 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined * 4 cloves garlic, minced * 2 tablespoons olive oil * 1/4 cup lemon juice * 2 tablespoons lemon zest * 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) * 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped * Salt and pepper to taste **Equipment** * Spiralizer or Julienne Peeler * Large Skillet or Wok * Colander * Kitchen Towel **Instructions** 1. Prepare the zucchini noodles: Wash and dry the zucchini. Use a spiralizer, julienne peeler, or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles. If using a vegetable peeler, slice the zucchini into thin, ribbon-like strips. 2. Salt the zucchini noodles: Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. 3. Pat dry: Gently squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini noodles using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. 4. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. 5. Mince the garlic: Mince the garlic cloves. 6. Zest and juice the lemon: Zest the lemon using a microplane or zester. Then, juice the lemon. 7. Heat the olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. 8. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot olive oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. 9. Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. 10. Remove the shrimp: Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside. 11. Add the zucchini noodles: Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. 12. Add the lemon juice and zest: Add the lemon juice and zest to the skillet and stir to combine. 13. Add the red pepper flakes: Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and stir to combine. 14. Return the shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine. 15. Season with salt and pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste. 16. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! My go-to recipe for Lemon Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Noodle. It’s a dish that’s quick, easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor. I truly believe that anyone can make this recipe and achieve amazing results. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature dish. Happy cooking!