The smell of citrus grilled shrimp zoodles wafts through the air, mingling with the sizzling sound of shrimp hitting the grill. Picture this: tender shrimp, perfectly cooked, kissed by tangy citrus flavors, served over a bed of spiralized zucchini that looks as good as it tastes. If your taste buds aren’t tingling yet, just wait until you whip up this dish; it will have your friends asking for seconds (and maybe thirds).
I can still remember the first time I made citrus grilled shrimp zoodles for a summer cookout. My friends were skeptical about zucchini noodles at first, but one bite later, they were all believers! This dish is perfect for warm evenings when you want something light but bursting with flavor. So grab your apron and let’s dive into a recipe that will brighten your day and tantalize your taste buds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Citrus grilled shrimp zoodles are quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.
- The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well.
- Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with low-carb zoodles while savoring the deliciousness of grilled shrimp.
- Easy to adapt based on seasonal ingredients or dietary preferences, this dish will impress any crowd.
I once surprised my friends with this dish during a weeknight dinner and their delighted reactions were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they are cleaned and deveined for best results.
Zucchini: Choose firm zucchinis for spiralizing; they should be free of blemishes for optimal texture.
Citrus Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice add brightness; bottled juice just won’t do!
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish with aromatic depth; avoid pre-minced garlic in jars.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley adds color and freshness; don’t skip these vibrant garnishes!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels.
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss the Shrimp: Add the cleaned shrimp to the marinade. Let them soak up those zesty flavors for about 15-30 minutes while you spiralize your zucchini.
Spiralize Zucchini: Using a spiralizer or julienne peeler, create zoodles from your zucchini. Set them aside on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Grill the Shrimp: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque.
Sauté Zoodles: In a separate pan over medium heat, lightly sauté the zoodles in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Now you have an amazing plate of citrus grilled shrimp zoodles ready to serve! Remember to sprinkle fresh herbs on top before diving in—your taste buds deserve this burst of flavor!
Enjoy every bite of this delightful meal that’s not just packed with flavor but also looks stunning on your dinner table!
You Must Know
- Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles create a refreshing and light meal, perfect for hot days.
- The zoodles absorb the citrus flavors beautifully, making every bite a burst of sunshine.
- Plus, they are quick to whip up, allowing for easy weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in citrus for at least 30 minutes. Grill them while spiralizing zucchini to ensure everything is ready simultaneously and perfectly cooked.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. You can also experiment with various citrus fruits, such as lime or grapefruit, for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid mushy zoodles.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use large shrimp for better grilling results; they won’t overcook as quickly.
- Marinating longer enhances flavor but don’t go overboard, or it may become too salty.
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasonings according to your preference.
The first time I made Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles, my friends devoured them and asked for seconds. It was a delightful surprise that had everyone raving about my cooking skills!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles?
Absolutely! Just thaw them beforehand and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
What can I substitute for zoodles?
Spaghetti squash or whole wheat pasta work well if you prefer a heartier base.
How spicy can I make this dish?
Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños during marination for extra heat!
Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles
Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles are a vibrant, low-carb dish that combines succulent grilled shrimp with fresh spiralized zucchini, all enhanced by tangy citrus flavors. Perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is not just delicious but also visually appealing. With easy preparation and minimal ingredients, you can whip up a delightful meal that will impress your family and friends.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (fresh or frozen, cleaned and deveined)
- 2 medium zucchinis (spiralized)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
- Spiralize the zucchinis and place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- In a separate pan over medium heat, lightly sauté the zoodles in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender yet crisp.
- Serve the grilled shrimp over the zoodles and garnish with fresh herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in bell peppers or snap peas. Experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit for unique taste variations.
