Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles!

Garlic Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Garlic Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed)

  • 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)

  • 4-5 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• For the Zucchini Noodles:

  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (or use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

• Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).

• Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic:

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. It should become fragrant.

3. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:

• Cook the Zucchini Noodles: Add the spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) to the skillet with the garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite to them (al dente).

• Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

4. Combine the Shrimp and Zoodles:

• Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Toss everything together to combine, adding the lemon juice and another sprinkle of fresh parsley.

• Finish Cooking: Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to warm up and the flavors to meld.

5. Serve:

• Serve the garlic shrimp and zucchini noodles immediately, garnished with extra parsley and a lemon wedge on the side if desired. For a little extra kick, you can drizzle with some extra red pepper flakes or a touch of olive oil.

Tips & Variations:

• For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the skillet after sautéing the garlic, letting it reduce slightly before adding the zucchini noodles.

• Make it Creamy: For a creamier version, add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk to the skillet with the shrimp, and stir it in just before adding the zucchini noodles.

• Add Veggies: You can add other veggies to the mix, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

• Protein Variations: This recipe is versatile – swap out shrimp for chicken breast or scallops if you prefer.

• No Spiralizer? You can also use a vegetable peeler to make zucchini ribbons or slice the zucchini thinly into matchsticks.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q/A)

Q: Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles?

• A: Yes! You can buy pre-spiralized zucchini noodles at most grocery stores, which can save time. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.

Q: How do I keep zucchini noodles from becoming too soggy?

• A: Zucchini noodles release a lot of water, so it’s important not to overcook them. Sauté them quickly (2-3 minutes), just enough to heat them through and soften them slightly. If you want to reduce the water content even more, you can place the spiralized zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then pat them dry with paper towels before cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• A: Zucchini noodles are best cooked fresh, but you can prepare the shrimp ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. When ready to eat, just reheat the shrimp and sauté the zucchini noodles.

Q: How do I make this dish spicier?

• A: To increase the spice, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also drizzle the dish with a little hot sauce before serving.

Q: Can I substitute the zucchini noodles with regular pasta?

• A: Absolutely! If you’re not looking for a low-carb option, you can use traditional pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions and combine with the shrimp and garlic sauce.