Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

Introduction: 

This keto dinner combines succulent shrimp sautéed in a delightful lemon garlic butter sauce and served over zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a light and flavorful meal.

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Ingredients:

• 4-6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small zucchini, spiralized into noodles
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Juice of half a lemon
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add unsalted butter.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
5. In a separate pan, sauté spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) in a little olive oil until tender.
6. Serve the lemon garlic butter shrimp over the zucchini noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Serving Size: 1

Nutritional Facts: 

Nutritional Facts (approximate):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 6-8g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Net Carbs: 4-6g

Grocery List:

Protein:

• 4-6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Produce:

• 1 small zucchini (or more, depending on servings)
• 1 clove garlic
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh lemon (or bottled lemon juice)

Dairy:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Pantry:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil (if not already in your pantry)
• Optional Additions:
• Other vegetables for the zucchini noodles (e.g., cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., cilantro, basil, chives)
• Red pepper flakes, paprika, or grated Parmesan cheese for additional seasonings

Note: 

Ensure you have the basic seasonings and ingredients like salt, pepper, and olive oil in your pantry. Adjust quantities based on the number of servings you plan to make. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What is the serving size for this recipe?

A1: The serving size for this recipe is one.

Q2: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp?

A2: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Q3: Do I need any special equipment to spiralize the zucchini?

A3: You'll need a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles (zoodles). If you don't have one, you can often find pre-spiralized zucchini noodles in many grocery stores.

Q4: Can I substitute margarine for unsalted butter?

A4: While you can substitute margarine for butter, it's important to note that butter adds a rich flavor to the dish. Margarine may alter the taste slightly.

Q5: How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

A5: Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to the zucchini noodles?

A6: Absolutely! You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach to the zucchini noodles for added flavor and nutrition.

Q7: What can I use if I don't have fresh lemon for the juice?

A7: You can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute for fresh lemon juice in a pinch. However, fresh lemon juice will provide the best flavor.

Q8: How can I reduce the calorie count of this dish?

A8: To lower the calorie count, you can reduce the amount of butter used, use fewer shrimp, or decrease the portion size of zucchini noodles.

Q9: Are there any tips for cooking zucchini noodles to the right texture?

A9: Be cautious not to overcook the zucchini noodles, as they can become mushy. They are done when they are tender but still have a slight crunch.

Q10: Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it later?

A10: This dish is best when served fresh to preserve the texture of the shrimp and zucchini noodles. However, you can refrigerate leftovers and reheat them gently.

Q11: Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

A11: Yes, this recipe is suitable for low-carb and keto diets, as it contains a relatively low amount of carbohydrates and is high in protein and healthy fats.

Q12: Can I use other types of seafood, like scallops or fish, instead of shrimp?

A12: Yes, you can adapt this recipe to your seafood preferences. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood may require different cooking times.

Q13: Can I use a different herb for garnish besides parsley?

A13: Certainly! Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or chives can also be used for garnish, depending on your taste preferences.

Enjoy your light and flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles!

Notes and Tips:

1. Shrimp Selection:

Opt for large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for convenience. You can also leave the tails on for presentation if desired.

2. Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp:

Fresh shrimp are ideal, but frozen shrimp work well too. Ensure frozen shrimp are properly thawed and patted dry before cooking.

3. Garlic Aroma:

Be cautious not to overcook the minced garlic in the butter, as it can quickly turn bitter. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Shrimp Cooking Time:

Shrimp cook rapidly, so keep a close eye on them. They're ready when they turn pink and opaque, typically taking 2-3 minutes per side.

5. Zucchini Noodles Texture:

Don't overcook the zucchini noodles (zoodles). Sauté them until they are tender but still have a slight crunch. Overcooking can make them soggy.

6. Customize with Vegetables:

Feel free to add other vegetables to the zucchini noodles for added flavor and nutrients. Just be mindful of their cooking times and adjust accordingly.

7. Lemon Juice:

Using fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if needed.

8. Butter Substitute:

While unsalted butter adds richness, you can use olive oil as a substitute for a lighter option. It will still impart a delightful flavor.

9. Dietary Adjustments:

Adjust the portion size and ingredient quantities to align with your dietary goals, whether you're looking to reduce calories or carbohydrates.

10. Fresh Herbs:

Fresh parsley is a classic garnish, but don't hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or chives for a different flavor profile.

11. Prepping in Advance:

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance (peel and devein shrimp, spiralize zucchini) to streamline cooking.

12. Reheating Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, reheat them gently in a skillet with a touch of butter or oil to preserve the flavors and textures.

13. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly:

This recipe is suitable for low-carb and keto diets, with minimal carbohydrates and a good balance of protein and healthy fats.

14. Experiment with Seasonings:

Feel free to experiment with seasonings and spices like red pepper flakes, paprika, or grated Parmesan cheese to add depth to the dish.

15. Serve Fresh:

Enjoy the lemon garlic butter shrimp over zucchini noodles immediately to savor the freshness and flavors at their peak.

This light and flavorful dish is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Customize it to your preferences and dietary needs, and savor the delicious combination of shrimp, garlic, and zucchini.