This cilantro lime shrimp with zucchini noodles is a fresh, easy dinner made with juicy shrimp, garlic, lime, cilantro, and tender zucchini noodles. The shrimp are quickly cooked in a bright cilantro-lime marinade, then tossed with the zucchini for a light, flavorful meal that’s naturally low-carb. It’s an easy option when you want a healthy dinner packed with vegetables and protein.
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Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 2 + 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for low-carb, keto diet.)
- Juice of 1 1/2 lime
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized or cut into noodles
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon cilantro, honey, lime juice, and lime zest. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, flip, then add the reserved marinade and cook for another minute. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
3. Add the vegetable broth to the same skillet and scrape up the browned bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes, then add the zucchini noodles and cook until just tender, about 2 minutes. Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss everything together, adjust the seasoning, and serve with additional cilantro.
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Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
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Tips for making cilantro lime shrimp
- Use shrimp with the tails on or off, whichever you prefer.
- Pre-cleaned and deveined shrimp make the recipe faster to prepare.
- Frozen shrimp work well; thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding the marinade.
How long should you cook cilantro lime shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly. Depending on their size, they generally need only 2–4 minutes in a hot skillet and are done when they’re pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking them, which can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.
Ingredients notes
- Fresh lime: Fresh lime juice and zest give the marinade its bright citrus flavor.
- Cilantro: If you don’t like cilantro, fresh parsley or basil can work as alternatives.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor, although garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Red pepper flakes: Leave them out for less heat or add more if you like things spicy.
- Honey: A small amount balances the acidity of the lime. Omit it for a stricter low-carb or keto version.
- Lime zest: Optional, but it adds extra citrus flavor.
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Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
This cilantro lime shrimp with zucchini noodles is a fresh, flavorful low-carb dinner with juicy shrimp, garlic, lime, cilantro, and tender zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 2 + 1 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for low-carb, keto diet.)
- Juice of 1 1/2 lime
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized or cut into noodles
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon cilantro, honey, lime juice, and lime zest. Add the shrimp and toss to coat. Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade and add them to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, flip, then add the reserved marinade and cook for another minute. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
- Add the vegetable broth to the same skillet and scrape up the browned bits. Simmer for about 2 minutes, then add the zucchini noodles and cook until just tender, about 2 minutes. Return the shrimp to the skillet, toss everything together, adjust the seasoning, and serve with additional cilantro.
Nutrition
Nutrition information for this recipe.
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