If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp grilled to perfection and tossed with delicate, spiraled zucchini noodles that soak up a bright, citrusy marinade loaded with lime, orange, and a hint of garlic. It’s a light yet satisfying dish that feels like sunshine on a plate — perfect for warm evenings or whenever you want a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a starring role, whether it’s the zingy zest that wakes up your taste buds or the fresh herbs that add a burst of color and aroma. Together, they create a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
- 1.5 tsp finely grated lime zest: Adds a bright, tangy punch that livens up the marinade.
- 1.5 tsp finely grated orange zest: Offers a sweet citrus balance, complementing the lime zest beautifully.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a savory depth and just the right bit of kick.
- 2 tbsp fresh minced cilantro: Infuses a fresh, herbal note that elevates the dish.
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice: Contributes zesty acidity to brighten every bite.
- 1.5 tbsp fresh orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and a juicy citrus flavor.
- 6 tbsp olive oil: Emulsifies the marinade and helps keep the shrimp tender.
- 0.5–0.75 tsp fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
- 0.25 tsp black pepper or chipotle chili powder: Gives a gentle heat with a smoky undertone if you choose chipotle.
- 1 tsp honey (optional): Rounds out the citrus with subtle sweetness; skip for Whole30 compliance.
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp: The star protein, quick to grill and perfectly absorbing the marinade.
- Salt and pepper for shrimp seasoning: Simple seasoning to bring out the shrimp’s natural flavor.
- 3-4 medium zucchini, spiralized: The zoodles stand in for traditional pasta, keeping the dish light and fresh.
- 0.25–0.5 tsp sea salt for sweating zucchini: Helps to gently draw out moisture for perfect texture.
- Extra fresh cilantro for garnish: A final harvest of herbaceous brightness on top.
How to Make Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Marinade
Start by combining all the marinade ingredients except olive oil in a bowl. Whisk them together to meld the bright citrus flavors with the garlic and herbs. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth, emulsified dressing that will coat the shrimp beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Reserve 3 tablespoons of the marinade for later use, then add your peeled and deveined shrimp to the remaining mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour so the shrimp can soak in those lively citrus notes while tenderizing slightly.
Step 3: Sweat the Zucchini Noodles
While the shrimp marinates, spiralize your zucchini into noodles and place them in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle the zoodles with sea salt to draw out excess moisture, letting them sweat for about an hour. Afterward, drain and press them gently with paper towels to ensure your dish isn’t watery.
Step 4: Prepare Your Grill
Heat your grill to high temperature, then brush the grates lightly with olive oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking. This step ensures you’ll get those beautiful grill marks and a slightly smoky char that amps up the flavor.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the marinade, giving them a gentle shake to discard excess liquid but keeping a light coating. Season them lightly with salt and pepper, then place them on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Let the grilled shrimp cool just slightly before tossing them with the zucchini noodles and your reserved marinade. This ensures the zoodles soak up those tangy, herby flavors. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an inviting burst of green, and serve immediately while everything feels fresh and lively.
How to Serve Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
Garnishes
To truly bring this dish to life, extra fresh cilantro is a perfect garnish that adds an herbal brightness and a pop of color. You might also consider a wedge of lime on the side for an extra squeeze of citrus if you love that tart finish.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a standalone meal but pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or roasted sweet potatoes to add a touch of sweetness. A crunchy baguette or some garlic bread works well too if you want a little more substance on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, consider serving the Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or thinly sliced radishes for an elegant touch. Alternatively, stacking the shrimp on top of zoodles in a swirl pattern makes for a visually appealing plate that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the shrimp and zoodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the texture of the zoodles and prevents the shrimp from becoming tough while waiting to be enjoyed again.
Freezing
Because zucchini noodles tend to become watery upon thawing, it’s best not to freeze the zoodles. However, you can freeze the marinated shrimp uncooked in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture, reheat the grilled shrimp quickly in a hot skillet or on the grill for just a minute or two. Serve over fresh, uncooked zoodles to keep that perfect bite and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating and grilling. This ensures they soak up the flavors and cook evenly.
What’s the best way to spiralize zucchini noodles?
Using a handheld spiralizer or a countertop spiralizer are both great options. Aim for uniform thickness so the zoodles cook or sweat evenly and pair perfectly with the shrimp.
Can I make this dish Whole30 compliant?
Yes! Simply omit the honey from the marinade, and use chipotle chili powder instead of black pepper if you want an extra kick. All other ingredients fit nicely within Whole30 guidelines.
How spicy is the chipotle chili powder version?
Chipotle chili powder adds a mild smoky heat that’s not overwhelming. It balances beautifully with the citrus flavors without overpowering the dish.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I don’t like it?
Fresh parsley or basil can be excellent alternatives. They add their own fresh herbal notes but won’t dramatically change the essence of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe is a delightful combination of bright, fresh, and grilled flavors that’s perfect for almost any occasion. It’s healthy, quick to make, and truly satisfying. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as irresistible and comforting as I do!
Print
Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles is a light, refreshing, and healthy dish featuring marinated shrimp grilled to perfection and served over zucchini noodles. Infused with vibrant citrus flavors from lime and orange zest and juice, garlic, and fresh cilantro, this recipe combines emulsified olive oil marinade with tender shrimp and crisp zoodles for a perfect low-carb, gluten-free meal ideal for warm-weather dining or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1.5 tsp finely grated lime zest (from one medium lime)
- 1.5 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh minced cilantro
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1.5 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5–0.75 tsp fine sea salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper or chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp honey (optional; excludes Whole30 compliance)
Shrimp
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- Salt and pepper for shrimp seasoning
Zucchini Noodles
- 3–4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 0.25–0.5 tsp sea salt for sweating zucchini
Garnish
- Extra fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine lime zest, orange zest, minced garlic, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice, sea salt, black pepper or chipotle chili powder, and honey. Whisk or blend these ingredients on low until well combined, then gradually whisk in olive oil to emulsify the marinade.
- Marinate Shrimp: Reserve 3 tablespoons of the marinade for serving. Add the shrimp to the remaining marinade, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Prepare Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize the zucchini into noodles and place them in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt and let them sweat for about one hour to release excess moisture. Afterward, drain and press out any additional moisture with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to high heat and lightly brush the grates with olive oil to prevent shrimp from sticking during cooking.
- Grill Shrimp: Remove shrimp from marinade, shaking off excess but leaving a light coating. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper. Arrange shrimp in a single layer on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Take care not to overcook.
- Combine and Serve: Allow grilled shrimp to cool slightly. Toss the shrimp with the zucchini noodles and desired amount of the reserved marinade. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a Whole30 compliant version, omit the honey from the marinade.
- Sweating zucchini helps reduce wateriness in the noodles, keeping the dish from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh citrus zest and juice for the brightest flavor impact.
- If you don’t have a grill, shrimp can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or skillet.
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the texture of the zucchini noodles.
