Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles: The Ultimate Low-Carb Dinner

When you’re searching for a quick, satisfying, and keto-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, look no further than Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles.
This recipe is not only healthy and low-carb but also incredibly indulgent thanks to its rich garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp.

If you’re tired of the same old grilled chicken or bacon and eggs on your ketogenic journey, then this dish is the perfect way to break up the monotony while keeping your macros in check.
Packed with protein, healthy fats, and loads of flavor, Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality treat.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this dish — from how to make it step by step, to tips for perfect shrimp, how to spiralize zucchini, variations, meal prep suggestions, and more.
We’ll even tackle some of the most common questions about cooking shrimp and zucchini noodles and how to keep them from getting soggy.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be fully equipped to make the best Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles, every single time.

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Why You’ll Love Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

If you’re wondering what makes Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles such a standout recipe, here are just a few reasons:

• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: With only a handful of net carbs per serving, this dish is perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a perfect weeknight dinner.
• Delicious & Satisfying: Juicy shrimp, silky garlic butter sauce, and crisp zucchini noodles make every bite irresistible.
• Nutrient-Rich: Zucchini adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while shrimp brings lean protein and minerals.
• Restaurant-Quality: The flavors and textures of this dish rival anything you’d find in a fancy restaurant.

When you’re craving comfort food without the carbs, Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is exactly what you need.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles at home:

• 1 ½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

These simple, fresh ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both light and decadent.

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Step-by-Step Recipe

Follow these easy steps to make the best Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear better.
Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil.
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Zucchini Noodles

Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss well to coat in the garlic butter sauce.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender — you want them to stay a little crisp to avoid sogginess.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the noodles. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

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Tips for Perfect Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

Making this dish is simple, but these expert tips will help you achieve perfect results every time:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Shrimp cook quickly — they only need about 2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and dry.

Keep the Zoodles Crisp

Overcooking zucchini noodles can make them soggy. They only need a couple of minutes to soften slightly while still retaining their bite.

Use Fresh Garlic

Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor. Jarred minced garlic can sometimes taste muted.

Drain Excess Moisture

Zucchini contains a lot of water. If needed, drain any liquid from the pan before adding the shrimp back in.

Spiralize Just Before Cooking

If you’re spiralizing zucchini yourself, do it just before cooking to keep them fresh and firm.

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Why This Recipe is Perfect for a Keto Diet

One of the biggest challenges of a ketogenic diet is finding meals that are low in carbs but still flavorful and satisfying.
Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is perfect because it:

• Contains healthy fats from butter and olive oil.
• Is high in lean protein from shrimp.
• Replaces high-carb pasta with low-carb zucchini noodles.
• Has plenty of flavor without added sugars or starches.

A single serving of this dish contains approximately:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 14g
• Net Carbs: 5g

This makes it an ideal option for lunch or dinner on a keto or low-carb eating plan.

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How to Spiralize Zucchini

If you’re new to spiralizing, here’s a quick guide:

• Use a spiralizer: This is the easiest and fastest way.
• Handheld spiralizer: Great for small kitchens or occasional use.
• Julienne peeler: A simple tool that produces thin strips.
• Mandoline: Some mandolines come with a julienne blade attachment.

Once spiralized, pat the noodles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

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Delicious Variations

You can easily customize your Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles with these tasty variations:

Add Parmesan

Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the finished dish for extra richness.

Make it Spicier

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

Use Other Herbs

Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Try Other Veggies

Mix in spiralized yellow squash or bell pepper strips for variety.

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What to Serve with Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles

While this dish is satisfying on its own, you can pair it with these low-carb sides:

• A crisp green salad with olive oil and vinegar.
• Roasted or steamed asparagus.
• Creamed spinach or sautéed kale.
• Cauliflower rice for a more filling meal.

These sides complement the flavors while keeping your meal keto-friendly.

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Meal Prep and Storage

Make Ahead

You can spiralize the zucchini and peel the shrimp a day ahead. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze zucchini noodles, as they become mushy. You can, however, freeze cooked shrimp and prepare fresh zucchini when ready to serve.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown of one serving of Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Net Carbs: 5g

These numbers make it a fantastic option for staying within keto macros while enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal.

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Health Benefits of Shrimp and Zucchini

Beyond being keto-friendly, this dish is full of health benefits:

Shrimp

• High in lean protein.
• Contains selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12.
• Low in calories and fat.

Zucchini

• Rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene.
• High in water content and low in calories.
• Supports healthy digestion thanks to fiber.

Together, they create a balanced, nutrient-dense meal perfect for any healthy lifestyle.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes — just thaw and pat them dry before cooking.

How do I keep zucchini noodles from getting soggy?

Cook them quickly over medium-high heat and don’t salt them until just before serving.

Can I use pre-spiralized zucchini?

Absolutely. Just make sure they’re fresh and not sitting in water.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes — replace the butter with more olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently, but you can control the heat by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Definitely — thinly sliced chicken breast works well. Just cook it longer than shrimp.

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Conclusion

Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is the perfect example of how eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
This dish is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and brimming with nutrients — making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties alike.

By following the tips and techniques in this guide, you can master the art of cooking juicy, flavorful shrimp and crisp zucchini noodles every time.
Whether you’re new to the keto lifestyle or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites.

So grab your skillet, spiralizer, and fresh ingredients — and treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
The next time you’re craving something hearty yet healthy, Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles will always deliver.

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