Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this fabulous garlic shrimp bowl with zucchini noodles and lemon butter sauce! It’s one of those dishes that just screams summer, with the bright, zesty flavors coming together in the most delightful way. Picture perfectly sautéed shrimp, bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce, all nestled on a bed of tender zucchini noodles. I first made this dish on a whim, and it quickly became a family favorite—everyone loves how light yet satisfying it is! The garlic aroma fills the kitchen, and I can’t help but feel a little giddy as I toss everything together. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on this delicious, healthy meal that’s ready in a flash. It’s truly a winner for busy weeknights or when you just want to treat yourself to something special!
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Garlic Shrimp Bowl with Zucchini Noodles Lemon Butter Sauce
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this amazing garlic shrimp bowl! Trust me, it’s super simple and so rewarding. You’ll be savoring every bite in no time.
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling just a bit, toss in the minced garlic. Oh, the smell! Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. You want it to be golden, not burnt—keep an eye on it!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Now it’s time to add those beautiful shrimp! Carefully place them in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, or they can get rubbery. So, keep an eye on the clock!
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Remaining Butter
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, squeeze in the juice of one lemon and toss in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir everything together until the butter melts and creates that luscious sauce we’re after. Just dreaming about it already!
Step 4: Incorporate Zucchini Noodles
Next, add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the pan. Gently toss everything together so the noodles get coated in that glorious lemon butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste—I like to be generous here, but you can adjust based on your preference!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to plate up! Serve your garlic shrimp bowl hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for that pop of color and flavor. And there you have it—deliciousness in a bowl! Dig in and enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! This garlic shrimp bowl with zucchini noodles and lemon butter sauce is not just delicious; it’s also pretty nutritious. Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so if you swap out any components or make adjustments, the numbers might change a bit. But overall, you’re looking at a wholesome, low-calorie meal that’s packed with flavor and protein. Perfect for a healthy dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 20 minutes!
- Light and healthy, featuring fresh zucchini noodles that are low in calories.
- Rich, buttery lemon sauce that adds a burst of flavor to every bite.
- Juicy shrimp that are cooked to perfection, making this dish satisfying without being heavy.
- Customizable! Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins or veggies.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner—everyone will be impressed!
- One-pan meal means minimal cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a delightful side.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your garlic shrimp bowl turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Keep a close eye on your shrimp as they cook. They should only take 2-3 minutes per side. Once they’re pink and opaque, take them off the heat—this will keep them juicy and tender.
- Spiralizing Zucchini: For the best zucchini noodles, use a spiralizer! It’s a game-changer. Make sure to choose firm zucchinis without soft spots for the best texture. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler can work too, just slice them thinly.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Seasoning your shrimp and zucchini noodles well before serving enhances all those delicious flavors. Taste as you go to get it just right.
- Butter Timing: Adding the remaining butter after the shrimp are cooked ensures that it melts beautifully into the sauce without burning. Just stir it in gently for that rich, velvety finish.
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prep the zucchini noodles and shrimp ahead of time. Just keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to cook—this way, dinner will come together in a flash!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll nail this dish every single time. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up a bit with your garlic shrimp bowl, I’ve got you covered with some exciting variations! This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own!
- Protein Swaps: Instead of shrimp, why not try diced chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian option? Both options cook up nicely in the lemon butter sauce and will still give you that delicious flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add more veggies for extra color and nutrition! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach can be tossed in with the zucchini noodles. They’ll add a lovely freshness and make your bowl even more vibrant.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to switch up the herbs! Fresh basil or cilantro can give this dish a completely different vibe. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick of heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Different Noodles: If you’re not feeling zucchini noodles, try using spaghetti squash or even whole grain pasta for a heartier dish. Each option brings its own unique texture and flavor!
- Asian Twist: For a different flavor profile, add some soy sauce or sesame oil instead of lemon butter. Toss in some snap peas or bok choy for an Asian-inspired garlic shrimp bowl!
These variations keep the dish fun and exciting, plus you can tailor it to what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences. Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers of this delicious garlic shrimp bowl, you’re in for a treat! Storing it properly will keep those flavors intact for your next meal. First off, let the dish cool down to room temperature before putting it away. This helps to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about 2-3 days. Just make sure to label it if you have a lot of meals in there—trust me, it’s easy to lose track!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using a skillet on the stovetop if you can. Just add a splash of water or a bit of extra butter to keep it moist, and heat over medium-low until warmed through. This way, you’ll preserve that lovely lemon butter sauce and not overcook the shrimp. If you’re in a rush, you can also pop it in the microwave, but be sure to heat it in short bursts—about 30 seconds at a time—stirring in between to ensure even heating. Nobody wants chewy shrimp, right?
And there you go! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your garlic shrimp bowl with zucchini noodles and lemon butter sauce just as much the next day!
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Garlic Shrimp Bowl with Zucchini Noodles: 5 Reasons to Love
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A flavorful garlic shrimp bowl featuring zucchini noodles and a rich lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Stir in lemon juice and remaining butter.
- Add zucchini noodles and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- Adjust garlic and lemon to taste.
- Can substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu.
- Use a spiralizer for best zucchini noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: garlic shrimp bowl, zucchini noodles, lemon butter sauce