Save to Pinterest Picture this: it's a weeknight, you're craving something light yet satisfying, and the clock is ticking. Enter our 15-Minute Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Bowl—a vibrant symphony of tender shrimp and spiralized zucchini bathed in a zesty lemon-garlic broth that comes together faster than your favorite food delivery. This dish embodies the perfect balance of protein-rich seafood and garden-fresh vegetables, creating a low-carb meal that doesn't sacrifice an ounce of flavor.
Save to Pinterest The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Zucchini noodles provide a gentle canvas for the star of the show—plump, perfectly cooked shrimp that soak up the bright, aromatic broth. Each bite offers a burst of flavor from the sweet cherry tomatoes and fragrant parsley, while the lemon-garlic broth ties everything together with its light yet satisfying character. It's the kind of meal that leaves you feeling nourished rather than weighed down—ideal for busy weeknights or light weekend lunches.
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the shrimp
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: Build the aromatic base
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add tomatoes
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 1 minute until they begin to soften.
- Step 4: Create the broth
- Pour in the broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cook zucchini noodles
- Add zucchini noodles and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until just tender.
- Step 6: Combine and finish
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add red pepper flakes if using, and toss to combine. Heat through for 1 minute.
- Step 7: Season and serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Don't overcook your zucchini noodles—they should retain a slight firmness for the best texture. If using a spiralizer, choose the medium blade for noodles that hold their shape without becoming mushy. When cooking the shrimp, watch them carefully as they transform from gray to pink; overcooking will make them tough and rubbery. For the brightest flavor, add the lemon juice at the end of cooking, just before serving.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile recipe welcomes many adaptations. For a different protein source, substitute the shrimp with cooked chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces or cubed extra-firm tofu. Vegetarians can omit the protein entirely and add more vegetables like asparagus tips or sugar snap peas. If you enjoy herbs, try swapping the parsley for fresh basil or dill for a completely different flavor profile. Those who enjoy heat can increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this vibrant bowl immediately while the broth is hot and the zucchini noodles are perfectly tender. For those not following a gluten-free diet, a slice of crusty bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up the delicious broth. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity complements the lemony notes in the dish. For a complete meal, consider starting with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice to echo the flavors in the main course.
Save to Pinterest This 15-Minute Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Bowl isn't just a meal—it's a solution for busy days when you want something nutritious without sacrificing flavor. With its vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and bright flavors, it's a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. From kitchen to table in just 15 minutes, this dish might just become your new weeknight hero, proving that delicious, wholesome food can be just minutes away, any day of the week.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the shrimp with other proteins?
Yes, cooked chicken or tofu can be used instead of shrimp to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- → How do I prevent zucchini noodles from becoming soggy?
Cook zucchini noodles briefly, just 1–2 minutes, stirring gently to keep them tender but firm.
- → What can I use instead of parsley for garnish?
Basil or dill provide fresh, aromatic alternatives that complement the lemon-garlic broth well.
- → Is it necessary to peel and devein the shrimp?
Peeling and deveining shrimp improves texture and presentation, but pre-prepared shrimp can save time.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes, using gluten-free broth and omitting any dairy make this meal suitable for those dietary restrictions.