If you’re searching for a meal that packs an irresistible punch of flavor and freshness while still being light on your waistline, you’ve just found your new favorite in this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe. Imagine succulent shrimp tossed in a silky lemon-garlic butter sauce, resting atop twirls of crisp-tender zucchini noodles — it’s vibrant, satisfying, and comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant low-carb dinner with friends, this recipe shines as a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly sets the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe apart is the simplicity of the ingredients. Each one plays a distinct role: from creating a rich, zesty sauce to keeping the dish wholesome and bright. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a tip for each component to get the best flavors possible.
- Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp — they cook quickly and stay juicy in the sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter forms the foundation of the savory sauce and adds a luscious mouthfeel.
- Olive Oil: Adds depth and prevents the butter from burning while sautéing.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with its signature aroma and flavor — fresh is always best here.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat, sprinkle these in, or leave them out for a milder result.
- Juice and Zest of 1 Lemon: Lemon brightens and lifts all the flavors, so don’t skimp!
- Zucchini (spiralized into zoodles): The “noodles” are not just a healthy swap — they soak up all that glorious sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple and essential for making all the other ingredients sing.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a bit of color and fresh, grassy flavor to finish things off beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan (optional): For a final touch of umami richness, sprinkle a little cheese on top if you like.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels, which helps them caramelize beautifully when they hit the pan. Toss them with a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper — this simple seasoning wakes up their natural sweetness and ensures every bite of your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe is full of flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, add the butter and olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil prevents the butter from browning too quickly, allowing you to coax out maximum flavor from the butter. Add minced garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, stirring them for about 30 seconds. The kitchen will immediately fill with a mouthwatering aroma and you’ll know you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp in a single layer in your hot skillet. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes on one side, then flip and repeat until they’re just pink and opaque — no one likes tough, overcooked shrimp! Take them out with a slotted spoon and set aside; they’ll finish mingling with the sauce in a moment.
Step 4: Sauté the Zoodles with Lemon
With the shrimp resting, pour the lemon juice and zest into the same skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits left behind. Tumble in the spiralized zucchini and give everything a good toss. Sauté for just 2–3 minutes to keep your zoodles with plenty of bite — nobody wants soggy noodles!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked shrimp (and any collected juices) to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so the zoodles and shrimp are cloaked in that luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for another minute to meld all those delicious flavors and make sure everything is warmed through.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe
Garnishes
A flourishing finish elevates this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe from everyday to extraordinary. A shower of fresh parsley brightens up each plate, and a light dusting of grated Parmesan melts instantly for an irresistible salty hit. If you want to add an extra pop of color, a little more lemon zest or a wedge on the side makes it look as zippy as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, it also plays well with others. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the buttery sauce, a crisp green salad for a refreshing crunch, or even a simple bowl of herby quinoa if you crave something a bit heartier. The Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe is flexible enough to anchor any dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
To turn this meal into an eye-catching centerpiece, consider twirling the zoodles into little nests on each plate, then top with a generous mound of shrimp and a cascading drizzle of sauce. Or, for a more dramatic family-style effect, serve everything in a large shallow bowl with tongs at the ready. Lemon wedges and sprigs of parsley around the rim make it look as vibrant as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them promptly to an airtight container. The Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the zoodles separate from the shrimp if you can — this helps maintain that lovely, crisp texture.
Freezing
Shrimp freeze beautifully, but zucchini noodles do not. If you want to freeze, stash only the cooked shrimp and sauce in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months. Spiralize fresh zucchini when you’re ready to serve for that just-cooked texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the shrimp and zoodles in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently and heat just until everything is warmed through — about 2 to 3 minutes. Overheating can make the shrimp rubbery and the zoodles watery, so keep an eye on it and enjoy quickly!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp work especially well in the Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe since they still turn out juicy and flavorful.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative or use all olive oil. The sauce will still have a lovely richness, though you’ll miss a bit of the classic buttery depth.
How do I spiralize zucchini if I don’t have a spiralizer?
No spiralizer? No problem! Use a julienne peeler or even a sharp knife to cut thin strips of zucchini. The texture won’t be quite as curly, but the result will still be just as delicious in your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?
You can cook the shrimp and prep the zoodles ahead of time, but wait to sauté the zucchini until just before serving to keep them crisp. This way, your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe will taste as fresh and lively as possible.
What other proteins can I use instead of shrimp?
Feel free to swap the shrimp for chunks of cooked chicken, flaky white fish, or even scallops. Each option will take on the luscious lemon-garlic butter flavor and keep your meal feeling special.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about whipping up a quick, beautiful meal that wows both your palate and your dinner guests. I hope this Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe inspires you to bring a little more zest and ease into your kitchen tonight — give it a try and see just how delicious healthy eating can be!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zoodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with zesty lemon, garlic, and healthy zucchini noodles. Perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
Zoodles:
- 4 medium zucchini (spiralized into zoodles)
Seasoning and Garnish:
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Shrimp: Pat dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat butter and oil, add garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp, cook until pink, then set aside.
- Cook Zoodles: In the same skillet, add lemon juice, zest, and zoodles, sauté until tender.
- Combine and Serve: Return shrimp, toss in the lemon garlic butter, heat through. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan, serve.
Notes
- For firmer zoodles, avoid overcooking.
- Substitute zucchini with yellow squash or a mix.
- Serve with crusty bread or extra lemon for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
