Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

$- 2 medium zucchinis (zoodles), spiralized - 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Calories: Approximately 350 per serving - Protein: About 30 grams - Fats: Roughly 20 grams - Carbohydrates: Around 10 grams Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Zoodles fit well into many diets. They are gluten-free and low-carb. This dish offers a tasty way to enjoy shrimp and veggies. You get protein from the shrimp and vitamins from the zucchinis. The butter adds rich flavor while the lemon brightens the dish. It's a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to spiralize the zucchinis into zoodles. A spiralizer is the best tool for this job. It creates long, thin noodles from the zucchini. If you don’t have a spiralizer, don’t worry. You can use a vegetable peeler to make thin strips instead. Just slice the zucchini lengthwise, then chop into noodle-like shapes. Set your zoodles aside while you cook the shrimp. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about one minute until you smell the garlic. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic ruins the dish. Next, add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Stir in the lemon juice and zest. This adds a fresh kick to the shrimp and garlic butter. Next, fold the zoodles into the skillet. Toss them gently to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. You want the zoodles to be tender but still a little crisp. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and mix in the fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve right away, and feel free to add some grated Parmesan cheese on top if you like! To cook shrimp just right, start with fresh or thawed shrimp. Keep the heat medium to high. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Avoid overcooking; otherwise, they get tough. For the best zoodles, use firm zucchinis. Spiralize them until you see long noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, try a vegetable peeler. Cut thin strips to get a nice texture. To prevent wateriness, salt the zoodles and let them sit. Drain excess water before adding them to the pan. Spices and herbs can boost your dish. Try adding more red pepper flakes or fresh basil. Fresh herbs like parsley add color and taste. You can switch up sauces too. Consider using a splash of white wine for depth. A dash of soy sauce can also add a fun twist. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture. Look for shrimp that is firm and has a mild scent of the ocean. Don't Overcook the Zoodles: Zoodles should be cooked just until tender. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so keep an eye on them! Enhance Flavor with Lemon Zest: The zest of the lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the butter and garlic beautifully. Don't skip this step! Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also makes your dish visually appealing. Don't be shy with the garnishes! {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu easily. Chicken needs about 5-7 minutes to cook through. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces before cooking. For a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Cube it and pan-fry until golden brown. You can also try adding scallops or other seafood. Scallops cook fast, about 2-3 minutes per side. They add a nice touch to your dish. If you want a change from zucchini, try spaghetti squash. Cook it, then scrape out the strands for a fun twist. Carrots work well too. Spiralize them for a sweet crunch. Other low-carb options include cucumber noodles or even kohlrabi. Each brings a unique taste and texture to your meal. Mix up your herbs for different flavors. Fresh basil or thyme can add a nice aroma. You can also try dill for a fresh, bright taste. If you like spice, increase the red pepper flakes. You can also add paprika or cayenne for a kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment; cooking is all about finding what you love! To keep your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Zoodles fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about two days. If you need to stack, use parchment paper to separate layers. This helps prevent sogginess. For reheating, the best way is on the stove. Heat a skillet on low. Add a splash of water or a bit of butter to keep the zoodles moist. Stir gently until warm. This keeps the shrimp tender and the zoodles crisp. Avoid the microwave; it can make the zoodles mushy. Can you freeze zoodles? You can freeze zoodles, but they may lose their crunch. To freeze, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within three months for best taste. Freezing shrimp scampi You can freeze the shrimp scampi, but not after adding zoodles. Freeze the shrimp in their sauce for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Add freshly cooked zoodles when you’re ready to eat. This keeps the dish fresh and delicious. Shrimp cook fast. The time varies by size. - Small shrimp (51-60 count): about 2-3 minutes. - Medium shrimp (41-50 count): about 3-4 minutes. - Large shrimp (21-30 count): about 4-5 minutes. - Jumbo shrimp (16-20 count): about 5-6 minutes. Always look for a pink color and firm texture. Yes, frozen shrimp work well. - Thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight for best results. - If short on time, run them under cold water for quick thawing. - Pat them dry before cooking to avoid extra water in your dish. You can still make zoodles without a spiralizer. - Use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini. - A box grater can also work, just be careful with your fingers. - The goal is thin, long strips that resemble noodles. These methods give you great zoodles for your dish! This blog explored a delicious shrimp scampi with zoodles. We covered ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips. You learned how to spiralize zucchini and cook shrimp perfectly. With different protein and zoodle options, the dish is versatile. Proper storage and reheating ensure your leftovers taste great. Try our flavor variations to make it your own. Enjoy healthy meals that are quick and fun to make! Cooking can be easy and delicious. Get creative, have fun, and share your experience with friends!$

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Zoodles

A delicious and healthy twist on traditional shrimp scampi using zucchini noodles.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis (zoodles), spiralized
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 lemon Juice and zest
to taste Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
for serving Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Begin by spiralizing the zucchinis into zoodles using a spiralizer. If you don’t have one, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin strips. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp is pink and opaque.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, combining well with the shrimp and garlic butter mixture.
Fold the zoodles into the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the zoodles are tender but still slightly crisp.
Remove from heat, and stir in the fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.

Keyword garlic butter, healthy, quick meal, shrimp, zoodles