Garlic Butter Shrimp Zucchini Noodles Simple Dish

Looking for a quick, tasty meal? Garlic Butter Shrimp Zucchini Noodles is the simple dish you need! This easy recipe combines juicy shrimp with fresh zucchini noodles, all smothered in rich garlic butter. With just a few main ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dinner in no time. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful dish shine on your dinner table!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined

- Zucchini: 4 medium, spiralized

- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons

Seasoning Ingredients

- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

- Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon

- Salt and Pepper: to taste

Garnishing Ingredients

- Fresh Parsley: chopped

- Grated Parmesan Cheese: optional

When it comes to making garlic butter shrimp zucchini noodles, you need the right ingredients. Start with fresh shrimp. I prefer ones that are peeled and deveined to save time. Zucchini is next. Four medium ones will give you plenty of noodles. You will also need butter, which adds rich flavor.

For seasoning, garlic is key. Use four cloves, minced finely for the best taste. Red pepper flakes add some heat. You can adjust this to your liking. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Finally, add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Don’t forget garnishes. Fresh parsley adds color and a nice taste. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra creaminess. These ingredients come together to create a simple, yet delicious meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Zucchini

First, take your four medium zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to turn them into noodles. This tool makes long, curly strands that look like pasta. Once you spiralize all the zucchini, set the noodles aside in a bowl. It’s okay if they are a bit wet. They will soak up the garlic butter later.

Cooking the Garlic and Shrimp

Next, grab a large skillet and place it on the stove. Heat it on medium. Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt, but don’t let it brown. After it melts, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You want it to smell nice and fragrant.

Now, it’s time for the shrimp. Add one pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about two to three minutes on each side. They will turn pink when they are fully cooked.

Combining and Serving

Squeeze one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp. This adds a bright flavor. Shake the pan gently to mix everything. Now, it’s time to add the zucchini noodles. Toss them into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir for about two to three minutes. The noodles should warm up but stay a little crunchy.

Take the skillet off the heat. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve your garlic butter shrimp zucchini noodles right away. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Shrimp

To cook shrimp just right, timing is key. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to turn pink and opaque. This shows they are done. If you cook them too long, they can become tough.

Look for these signs to know when shrimp are done:

- They should be pink.

- They should curl slightly.

- They should be opaque throughout.

Zucchini Noodle Preparation

Spiralizing zucchini can be fun! Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into noodles. Make sure to press down firmly for even noodles.

To prevent overcooking, add the zucchini noodles last. Toss them gently with shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. They should be slightly crunchy, not mushy.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to spice things up? Try adding different seasonings. You can use lemon zest for bright flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme work well too.

For heat, adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with a little and add more if you like it spicy. This lets you customize the dish to your taste.

Variations

Alternative Protein Options

You can switch shrimp for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well if you cut it small. Tofu is a great choice for a vegan dish.

- Cooking Times:

- Chicken: Cook for 4-5 minutes, until no longer pink.

- Tofu: Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden.

Different Vegetable Combinations

Feel free to add bell peppers or spinach. Both add color and taste to the dish. Bell peppers give sweetness, while spinach adds nutrients.

- Benefits of More Veggies:

- Boosts fiber intake.

- Increases vitamins and minerals.

- Makes the dish more filling and colorful.

Dietary Modifications

This dish can easily fit into many diets. It is gluten-free and low-carb. For a vegan option, just skip the shrimp and butter. Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

- Adaptations:

- Gluten-free: Use only fresh veggies and no added sauces.

- Vegan: Swap in plant-based proteins and oils.

Embrace these variations to make the dish your own!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your garlic butter shrimp zucchini noodles fresh, refrigerate them. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Make sure the noodles cool down before sealing them. Store leftovers for up to three days in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating properly is key to enjoying your dish again. To reheat without overcooking the shrimp, use a skillet. Heat on low and stir gently. This warms the dish evenly. If you prefer the microwave, use a low setting. Heat in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid rubbery shrimp.

Freezing Considerations

You can freeze garlic butter shrimp zucchini noodles, but it’s best to freeze shrimp and noodles separately. This keeps their texture intact. To freeze, place each component in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently to enjoy your meal again.

FAQs

What is the best way to cook zucchini noodles?

To keep zucchini noodles from getting soggy, cook them quickly. Use medium heat and only for a few minutes. I usually toss them with shrimp for about 2-3 minutes. This helps them stay crunchy.

For al dente, check the noodles after 2 minutes. They should be warm but still have a bite. You want them tender, not mushy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Spiralize your zucchini and cook the shrimp ahead of time. Store the shrimp and zucchini separately in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh.

When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the shrimp and add the zucchini. You can warm them in a skillet or microwave.

What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp zucchini noodles?

This dish pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. You might also enjoy it with roasted veggies.

For a fun twist, add some crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. It’s a great way to enjoy every bite!

This blog post covered how to make garlic butter shrimp zucchini noodles. You learned about the main ingredients, seasoning tips, and ways to customize the dish. I also shared easy steps for cooking and storing your meal.

To sum up, this recipe is simple, tasty, and good for many diets. Try it out and enjoy the flavors! Your kitchen adventure awaits.