This recipe for shrimp with zucchini noodles in a lemon-garlic butter is a fresh and healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes. It pairs the succulent sweetness of shrimp with the bright zestiness of lemon and the savory richness of garlic butter. The zucchini noodles, or 'zoodles', add a surprising crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp, making this dish an exciting culinary adventure for your tastebuds.
There are no significantly unusual ingredients in this recipe. However, when at the supermarket, be sure to look for fresh, large-sized shrimp for the best flavor. Also, choose zucchini that are medium-sized and firm to the touch; these will make the best zoodles.
Ingredients for Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles in Lemon-Garlic Butter
Zucchini: A versatile vegetable that will be spiralized into noodles for this dish.
Salt: To draw out moisture from the zucchini and season the shrimp.
Butter: Will be browned to add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Adds a savory depth to the butter sauce.
Shrimp: The star of the dish; provides a sweet, meaty bite.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the overall flavor.
Lemon: Provides fresh, zesty notes that cut through the richness of the butter.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch to the finished dish.
One reader, Johan Augustine says:
This shrimp with zucchini noodles in lemon-garlic butter recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a delightful blend of zesty lemon and savory garlic, perfectly complementing the tender shrimp and fresh zucchini noodles. It's a light and refreshing dish that's become a family favorite. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles in Lemon-Garlic Butter
How to prepare zucchini noodles: Use a vegetable peeler or mandolin to slice each zucchini down its length, creating long, thin ribbons. Lay the noodles out on paper towels in a single layer and sprinkle them with salt, allowing them to “sweat” for about 10 minutes.
How to brown butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Tilt and swirl the pan gently to move the butter around. The butter will foam a bit, then begin to smell nutty and turn amber with small brown solids on the bottom. Once this happens, immediately pour the butter into a heat-proof bowl, jar, or cup. Use a spatula to scrape all of the browned bits into the bowl.
How to cook shrimp: Pat the cleaned shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, then toss them with a heavy pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper in a large bowl. Wipe the skillet used to melt the butter clean and return it to medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Working in batches, cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque, but not curled up too tightly.
How to cook zucchini noodles: Pat the excess moisture from the zucchini noodles. Place the skillet back over medium-high heat and add a bit of cooking oil to coat. Toss the zucchini gently in the pan so that it just begins to lose its stiffness. The whole process shouldn’t take more than 3 minutes.
How to make lemon-garlic butter: Whisk lemon zest and juice into the brown butter and garlic. Off the heat, add the shrimp back to the pan with the zucchini and pour the lemon-garlic butter over top. Toss to combine.
How to garnish with parsley: Top the dish with fresh parsley before serving.
How To Make Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Lemon-Garlic Butter
Fresh zucchini noodles tossed with shrimp and flavored with lemon garlic butter is an easy dinner dish that’s low in both carbs and fats.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5mediumzucchini
- 1tspsalt
- 3tbspbutter
- 2clovesgarlic,finely minced
- 1lbshrimp,peeled and deveined
- ¼tspblack pepper
- 1zest lemon
- 1½tsplemon juice
- fresh parsley,chopped, to garnish
Instructions
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Slice each zucchini down its length using a vegetable peeler or on a mandolin, creating long, thin ribbons. Lay the noodles out on paper towels in a single layer and sprinkle them with salt. Leave them to “sweat” for about 10 minutes.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Tilt and swirl the pan gently to move the butter around. The butter will foam a bit, then begin to smell nutty and turn amber with small brown solids on the bottom.
-
Once this happens, immediately pour butter into a heat-proof bowl, jar, or cup. Use a spatula to scrape all of the browned bits into the bowl. Add the minced garlic to butter and set aside.
-
Pat the cleaned shrimp with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, then toss them with a heavy pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper in a large bowl.
-
Wipe the skillet used to melt the butter clean. Return it to medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot (but not smoking) add just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
-
Working in batches, cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side. They should be pink and opaque, but not curled up too tightly. Transfer to a plate.
-
Pat the excess moisture from the noodles. Place the skillet back over medium high heat, and add a bit of cooking oil (just enough to coat).
-
Toss the zucchini gently in the pan so that it just begins to lose its stiffness. The whole process shouldn’t take more than 3 minutes. Remove the pan from heat.
-
Whisk lemon zest and juice into the brown butter and garlic. Off the heat, add the shrimp back to the pan with the zucchini and pour the lemon-garlic butter over top.
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Toss to combine. Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Top with fresh parsley and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 207.24kcal
- Fat: 10.66g
- Saturated Fat: 5.99g
- Trans Fat: 0.37g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.91g
- Carbohydrates: 11.00g
- Fiber: 3.07g
- Sugar: 6.59g
- Protein: 18.88g
- Cholesterol: 165.78mg
- Sodium: 909.31mg
- Calcium: 115.91mg
- Potassium: 822.12mg
- Iron: 1.52mg
- Vitamin A: 175.14µg
- Vitamin C: 57.91mg
Technique Tip for Perfectly Cooking Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
When cooking shrimp, it's important to avoid overcooking as they can quickly become tough and rubbery. A good indicator that the shrimp are done is when they turn pink and opaque. However, be careful not to let them curl up too tightly, as this is a sign of overcooking. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit even after they're removed from the heat due to residual heat.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Recipe
Prep ahead: You can prepare the zucchini noodles and clean the shrimp in advance to save time when cooking the dish.
One-pan cooking: Consider using a large skillet to cook the shrimp and zucchini noodles together, reducing the number of dishes to clean.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, ensure all ingredients are measured and ready to use, streamlining the cooking process.
Quick cooking: Cook the shrimp and zucchini noodles in batches to ensure they are cooked evenly and quickly.
Efficient multitasking: While the zucchini noodles are sweating, start preparing the lemon-garlic butter and cleaning the shrimp to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Lemon-Garlic Butter Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash can be spiralized or cut into noodles and has a similar texture to zucchini, providing a great low-carb alternative.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter and still provides a rich flavor to the dish.
shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for shrimp, providing a lean protein option for those who do not consume seafood.
lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a tangy and acidic flavor similar to lemon, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic, providing a milder and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for Serving Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Elevate the zucchini noodles: Carefully twirl the zucchini noodles into a neat, compact nest using tongs, creating a visually appealing base for the shrimp.
Garnish with fresh parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Arrange the shrimp strategically: Place the shrimp on top of the zucchini noodles, ensuring they are evenly spaced and positioned to showcase their succulent texture and vibrant color.
Drizzle with lemon-garlic butter: Artfully drizzle the aromatic lemon-garlic butter over the shrimp and zucchini noodles, creating an enticing visual display while infusing the dish with rich, savory flavors.
Use a minimalist plating approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the natural colors and textures of the dish to take center stage, showcasing the beauty of the ingredients.
Incorporate negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the dish to breathe and creating a visually striking presentation that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Consider plate shape and color: Select a plate that complements the vibrant colors of the dish, such as a sleek, white plate that provides a stunning backdrop for the zucchini noodles and shrimp.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dish with precision, emphasizing symmetry and balance to create a visually harmonious presentation that reflects culinary finesse.
Highlight the shine of the dish: Ensure the dish glistens under the light, accentuating the glossy sheen of the lemon-garlic butter and enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Use microgreens for a finishing touch: Add a delicate sprinkle of microgreens to the dish, enhancing the presentation with a touch of elegance and a subtle burst of flavor.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles in Lemon-Garlic Butter
- Vegetable peeler: A tool used to peel the zucchini into thin ribbons.
- Mandolin: A kitchen tool used to slice the zucchini into thin, even slices.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and low sides, used for cooking the shrimp and zucchini noodles.
- Paper towels: Used to absorb excess moisture from the zucchini noodles and shrimp.
- Heat-proof bowl: A bowl that can withstand high temperatures, used to mix the browned butter and garlic.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for scraping the browned bits and mixing the lemon-garlic butter.
- Large bowl: Used for tossing the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Plate: Used for transferring the cooked shrimp.
- Cooking oil: Used for coating the skillet and cooking the zucchini noodles.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients, used to combine the lemon zest and juice with the browned butter and garlic.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving the shrimp and zucchini noodles.
- Individual plates: Used for serving the shrimp and zucchini noodles to each person.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
- Storing leftovers: allow the shrimp and zucchini noodles to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: to reheat, simply microwave the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, or gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed.
- Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the zucchini noodles will become mushy and watery upon thawing, and the shrimp may develop an unpleasant texture.
- If you want to prepare this dish in advance, it's best to store the lemon-garlic butter separately from the cooked shrimp and zucchini noodles. When ready to serve, reheat the shrimp and noodles, then toss with the butter sauce.
- To maintain the best texture of the zucchini noodles, avoid overcooking them during the initial preparation and reheating process.
How To Reheat Leftover Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
- To reheat leftover shrimp with zucchini noodles in lemon-garlic butter, start by placing the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the noodles from drying out during the reheating process.
- Microwave the dish on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp and noodles are heated through. The exact time may vary depending on the quantity of leftovers and the power of your microwave. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp, as they can quickly become rubbery and tough.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan to prevent sticking and to help revive the flavors of the dish.
- Gently stir the shrimp and noodles in the skillet until they are heated through, which should take about 3-4 minutes. If the dish seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to help moisten the noodles and create a light sauce.
- If you have access to an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat the leftovers. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the shrimp and noodles in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the dish is heated through and the noodles are slightly crispy.
- Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a handful of chopped fresh parsley to brighten up the flavors and give the dish a fresh twist.
Random Fact About Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles in Lemon-Garlic Butter
Zucchini noodles are a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta and are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Is Making Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles in Lemon-Garlic Butter Cost-Effective?
This shrimp with zucchini noodles in lemon-garlic butter recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The zucchini and shrimp are reasonably priced, and the dish utilizes simple, affordable ingredients. The use of lemon and garlic adds a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Recipe Healthy?
This shrimp with zucchini noodles recipe is a healthy and delicious option for a light meal. The use of zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta significantly reduces the carbohydrate content, making it a great choice for those watching their carb intake. Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. The lemon-garlic butter sauce adds flavor without overwhelming the dish with excessive calories.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use a minimal amount of butter or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil or avocado oil
- Increase the amount of garlic in the recipe, as garlic has numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions, to increase the fiber content and provide additional vitamins and minerals
- Use fresh, wild-caught shrimp instead of farm-raised to ensure the highest quality and minimize exposure to potential contaminants
- Limit the amount of added salt and instead rely on the natural flavors of the ingredients, such as the lemon zest and fresh parsley, to enhance the taste
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Shrimp and Zucchini Noodle Dish
The combination of fresh zucchini noodles, succulent shrimp, and a flavorful lemon-garlic butter sauce creates a light and refreshing dish. The use of browned butter adds a rich and nutty flavor, complemented by the brightness of the lemon zest and juice. The cooking technique ensures the shrimp are perfectly cooked and the zucchini noodles are tender yet still have a slight crunch. This dish is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles and Lemon-Garlic Butter Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh shrimp and zucchini noodles in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce. The use of high-quality ingredients such as fresh shrimp and aromatic garlic ensures a flavorful and satisfying dish. The careful instructions and attention to detail in the cooking process guarantee a successful outcome. With the addition of fresh parsley and a burst of lemon juice, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience that users can trust for a delicious and wholesome meal.
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