Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided in half)
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Noodles
1️⃣ Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3️⃣ Stir in zucchini noodles and cook until just tender (2-3 minutes).
4️⃣ Season with salt and pepper, then set aside and keep warm.
🔹 Pro Tip: Zucchini releases a lot of water when cooked. To prevent soggy noodles, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the pan. You can also lightly salt them beforehand and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Butter Shrimp
1️⃣ Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the remaining 2 cloves garlic and minced shallot, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
3️⃣ Stir in shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque (3-4 minutes).
5️⃣ Add lemon zest and chopped parsley, stirring to combine.
🔹 Beginner Tip: Shrimp cook very quickly! As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so keep an eye on them.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
1️⃣ Plate the zucchini noodles and top with the garlic butter shrimp.
2️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
❌ Shrimp are rubbery!
✔️ You overcooked them. Shrimp only need 3-4 minutes—remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink.
❌ Zucchini noodles are watery!
✔️ Pre-salt and drain them before cooking, and don’t overcook.
❌ Garlic burned in the pan!
✔️ Garlic cooks quickly—only sauté for about 1 minute before adding other ingredients.
❌ Dish lacks flavor.
✔️ Make sure to season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest—these small additions make a big difference!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes