Garlic Chili Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
In short: Shrimp cooked with garlic, chili and lemon, then tossed with zucchini noodles for a light, low-carb dinner ready in 20 minutes. It takes about 25 min in total and makes 2 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 10 min
- Total
- 25 min
- Servings
- 2
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 310 kcal
Zucchini noodles make a light base for garlicky shrimp, and they cook in about two minutes. The main trick is moisture control: salt the noodles and press out the water, then toss them in the pan just long enough to warm through. The sauce is simple olive oil, garlic, chili and lemon, with a splash of white wine or stock. It is a good dinner for a warm evening.
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini into noodles with a spiralizer or julienne peeler. Toss them with 1/2 tsp of the salt in a colander and leave for 10 minutes.
- Press the noodles gently between clean towels to remove as much water as you can. Pat the shrimp dry and season with the remaining salt and the pepper.
- Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque. Move them to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining oil, the garlic and the chili. Stir for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned. Add the wine and simmer for 1 minute.
- Add the zucchini noodles and toss with tongs for 1 to 2 minutes, only until warmed through and just tender. Overcooking makes them watery.
- Return the shrimp to the pan with the lemon zest and juice and toss for 30 seconds, until the shrimp are opaque and 63°C (145°F). Scatter with basil and serve immediately.
Tips
- Salting and pressing the noodles is the step that prevents a watery sauce. Do not skip it.
- If you need a heartier meal, serve the shrimp over spaghetti or rice instead of zucchini noodles.
Questions and answers
Can I make zucchini noodles without a spiralizer?
Yes. Use a julienne peeler, or slice the zucchini into long, thin ribbons with a regular vegetable peeler.
Can I prepare this shrimp dish ahead of time?
Prepare the noodles and shrimp up to 4 hours ahead and keep them separate in the fridge. Cook right before serving, because zucchini noodles turn limp quickly.
How spicy is garlic chili shrimp?
It is moderately spicy with one red chili. Remove the seeds for less heat, or add more chili flakes for a hotter dish.
How long does it take to make Garlic Chili Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?
About 25 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Garlic Chili Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles?
About 310 kcal per serving, with 30 g of protein, 13 g of carbohydrates and 15 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 310 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
