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- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (zoodles) - 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a fun and healthy base. I love how they soak up flavors. Large shrimp add a nice texture and taste. Unsalted butter is perfect for rich flavor. Garlic brings warmth, while red pepper flakes offer a kick. - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon, for brightness - Juice of 1 lemon, for acidity Seasoning makes all the difference. Use salt and pepper to enhance the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Lemon zest brightens the flavors, while lemon juice adds a nice tang. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a delightful meal. Spiralizing Zucchini To start, take your zucchinis and spiralize them. You can use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. Both will create long, thin strips that look like noodles. This is the fun part! Salting to Remove Moisture Once you have your zoodles, place them on a clean paper towel. Sprinkle them lightly with salt. This step helps draw out extra moisture. Let them sit while you prepare the shrimp. This keeps your dish from getting soggy. Melting Butter and Cooking Garlic Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter. Watch it melt and become bubbly. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir it all for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not turn brown. Seasoning and Cooking Shrimp Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp into the skillet. Season them well with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. They should be fully cooked and opaque. Tossing Zoodles and Shrimp Now, gently stir in the zoodles with the shrimp and the garlic-butter sauce. Toss everything together carefully for about 2 minutes. This warms the zoodles but keeps them crunchy. Avoid overcooking them for the best texture! Adding Lemon Zest and Juice Remove your skillet from the heat. Immediately add the lemon zest and juice. This adds a bright and fresh flavor. Toss everything again to coat the zoodles and shrimp evenly in the citrusy goodness. To get the best zoodles, follow these tips. - Preventing Overcooking: Cook zoodles for only 2-3 minutes. They need to remain crisp. Overcooked zoodles become mushy and lose their charm. Stir gently when mixing with shrimp to keep them firm. - Alternate Methods for Zoodle Preparation: If you don't own a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works well. Cut thin strips of zucchini. You can also use a box grater for a different texture. Try different shapes for fun. Flavor is key to a great dish. Here are ways to boost it. - Adjusting Spice Levels: Red pepper flakes add heat. If you prefer less spice, start with half a teaspoon. You can always add more later. Adjust based on your taste. - Variations in Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill. Experiment with lemon zest and juice for a brighter taste. You can also add a dash of soy sauce for an umami kick. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in Garlic Butter Shrimp Zoodle Noodles. Chicken and tofu work well. - Chicken or Tofu Substitutions: For chicken, use boneless, skinless breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Cook them like shrimp until they are golden. Tofu is a great plant-based choice. Use firm tofu, and press it to remove extra water. Then, cube it and sauté until crispy. - Additional Seafood Options: Feel free to add more seafood! Scallops or mussels can bring a new taste. Cook them the same way as shrimp, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Adding more veggies makes this dish colorful and healthy. You can mix in spinach, bell peppers, or carrots. - Adding Spinach, Bell Peppers, or Carrots: Tossing in fresh spinach adds nutrients. Slice bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Grate carrots for a hint of sweetness. Add these veggies after the shrimp cooks. This will keep them bright and crisp. - Other Noodle Alternatives for Non-Zoodles: If you want a different base, try using spaghetti squash or whole wheat pasta. Spaghetti squash is low in carbs and has a fun texture. Cook it until tender and mix it with the sauce. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber and is filling. Cook it according to package instructions before mixing. These variations let you customize Garlic Butter Shrimp Zoodle Noodles to your taste! Refrigeration Guidelines After making Garlic Butter Shrimp Zoodle Noodles, let it cool down. Place leftovers in an airtight container. They can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you want to eat them again, check for any signs of spoilage. If everything looks good, you can enjoy your meal! Freezing Instructions If you want to keep leftovers longer, freezing is a good option. However, zoodles can become soggy when thawed. To freeze, separate the shrimp from the zoodles. Place shrimp in a freezer-safe bag. Store zoodles in another bag. They can last in the freezer for about 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw shrimp in the fridge overnight. Cook zoodles fresh for the best texture. Best Methods to Maintain Texture To reheat Garlic Butter Shrimp Zoodle Noodles, the stovetop is your best friend. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or butter. Toss in the shrimp and zoodles. Stir gently until warm. This method helps keep the zoodles from getting mushy. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat. Heat in short bursts and stir in between. This keeps the flavors fresh! To make this dish gluten-free, focus on the zoodles and shrimp. Zucchini is naturally gluten-free, which is great! For the butter, ensure it is pure and free from additives. Check your seasoning too. Use gluten-free red pepper flakes. Most spices should be safe, but always read the labels. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just remember to thaw them first. To defrost shrimp, place them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Once thawed, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook evenly. Adjust cooking time slightly if using larger shrimp; they may need an extra minute or two. This dish pairs well with simple sides. Consider a fresh salad with mixed greens. A light cucumber salad can add crunch and coolness. Garlic bread is another great option if you want something hearty. For extra veggies, try roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli. These sides will balance the meal and enhance the flavors. This recipe blends fresh ingredients like zucchini noodles and shrimp for a tasty dish. You learned how to prepare zoodles and cook shrimp in garlic butter. You also saw tips for storing and reheating, plus variations to match your taste. Feel free to try different proteins or veggies. Cooking should be fun and creative. Enjoy making this dish and share your own twists! The flavors are sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Zoodle Noodles

Savor the delightful flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Zoodle Noodles with this quick and easy recipe! Fresh zoodles made from zucchini pair perfectly with succulent shrimp cooked in a rich garlic-butter sauce. This dish is not only healthy but also visually stunning, making it a great choice for any meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover tips for presentation that will impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (zoodles)

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your preferred spice level)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon, for brightness

Juice of 1 lemon, for acidity

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the zoodles. Use a spiralizer for best results, or a vegetable peeler to create thin strips of zucchini that resemble noodles. After spiralizing, place the zoodles on a clean paper towel and sprinkle lightly with salt. This will help draw out excess moisture. Allow the zoodles to sit while you focus on preparing the shrimp.

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted and is bubbly, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring continuously for about 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but ensuring it does not brown to avoid a bitter taste.

      Carefully add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet, seasoning them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn a vibrant pink. Flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until they’re opaque and fully cooked through.

        Gently stir in the prepared zoodles with the shrimp and butter-garlic sauce. Toss the mixture carefully to combine, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This will warm the zoodles while keeping them tender-crisp. Be cautious not to overcook them, as you want to retain some texture!

          Remove the skillet from the heat, and immediately add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Give everything a gentle toss to ensure the zoodles and shrimp are evenly coated in the bright, citrusy flavors.

            Finish by garnishing the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness just before serving.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 2 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the dish in a large, shallow bowl to enhance visual appeal. Arrange the zoodles into a nest shape, elegantly twirling them in the center. Top with the succulent shrimp and sprinkle additional fresh parsley along with lemon zest for a delightful touch. Consider presenting a lemon wedge on the side to entice diners, inviting them to squeeze more citrus before enjoying!