If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, vibrant colors, and a fresh, healthy vibe, I have just the thing for you: the Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe. This dish brings together juicy, tender shrimp coated in a tangy, spicy-sweet chili sauce paired perfectly with crisp and refreshing zucchini noodles. It’s light yet satisfying, easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends at your next gathering. Trust me, once you try this combination, it’ll become a go-to recipe that brightens up your meals in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe truly shine. The simplicity of these staples means every element plays an important role—from the juicy shrimp adding protein and texture to the fresh zucchini noodles keeping things light and vibrant.
- 1 pound shrimp: I recommend using 31-40 count size, peeled and thawed—tail on is optional for presentation flair.
- 2 medium zucchini: Spiralized on the medium setting to create the perfect zoodles texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds just enough richness to sauté the shrimp beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 clove garlic: Minced and ready to infuse the dish with that irresistible aroma and depth.
- 6 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce: The star of the show, delivering the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
- Juice of 1/2 lime: Brightens the flavor and adds a refreshing tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon cilantro: Chopped fresh for a pop of herbal freshness that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, just enough to enhance every ingredient without masking them.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a subtle nutty crunch and a pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
Step 1: Spiralize Your Zucchini
The first step is all about prepping your zoodles. Spiralizing makes your zucchini look like delicate noodles, which will soak up the sauce beautifully while staying light and fresh. Using the medium setting ensures you get the perfect bite—not too thick, not too thin.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Cook them for about 2 minutes, stirring often so they turn pink and slightly golden without overcooking. This step locks in the shrimp’s natural juiciness and creates a lovely base for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, toss in the minced garlic, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Let this mixture simmer for about 3 minutes. This step is crucial as it melds all the flavors together—sweet, spicy, tangy, and fresh—coating the shrimp perfectly as they finish cooking through.
Step 4: Toss in the Zoodles
Finally, add your spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to toss everything together for one to two minutes. You want the zoodles just warmed and slightly softened but still maintaining a bit of crunch. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nutty texture, and a extra handful of chopped cilantro freshens up the plate visually and flavor-wise. You might also consider a wedge of lime on the side for guests to add a splash of brightness if they like.
Side Dishes
This dish is light, so pairing it with a simple cucumber salad or a small bowl of steamed jasmine rice can make your meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the main event. For a refreshing contrast, try a cold mango salsa or pickled vegetables alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the zoodles and shrimp in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and glossy sauce. For a fun twist, try hollowing out zucchini boats and filling them with the shrimp zoodle mixture. This makes for an eye-catching appetizer or party snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the zucchini noodles can release water over time, it’s best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not ideal because zucchini noodles do not maintain their pleasant texture once thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in sauce separately for up to a month and add freshly spiralized zucchini when reheating.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, do so gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. This prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery and stops the zoodles from turning mushy. Adding a splash of fresh lime juice or extra cilantro at this stage brightens the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for the Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to prevent excess water in the pan, which could dilute the sauce.
What can I substitute for zucchini if I don’t have any?
Spaghetti squash or thinly sliced carrots are great alternatives that still give you that noodle-like experience with a slightly different flavor and texture.
Is this dish spicy?
The Thai sweet chili sauce provides a gentle heat balanced by sweetness. If you prefer it milder, use less sauce or choose a mild variety. For more kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chilies.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Swap the shrimp for tofu or tempeh cubes, and use a vegan sweet chili sauce brand. The rest of the recipe remains just as vibrant and delicious.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
With about 7 minutes of prep (mainly spiralizing zucchini) and 8 minutes of cooking, this Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe is a speedy meal perfect for busy evenings.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delightful way. It’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with those zoodles as much as I have!
Print
Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles recipe is a light and flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a tangy Thai sweet chili sauce, served over fresh zucchini noodles. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal that combines the zest of lime, the freshness of cilantro, and a touch of garlic, all tossed together for a delicious low-carb dinner option.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound shrimp (31–40 count size, thawed and peeled, tail on optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 6 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Zoodles
- 2 medium zucchini (spiralized on the medium setting)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Spiralize Zucchini: Spiralize the two medium zucchini on the medium setting to create zucchini noodles (zoodles). Set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until they start turning pink and opaque.
- Add Flavorings: Add the minced garlic, 6 tablespoons of Thai sweet chili sauce, juice of half a lime, and chopped cilantro to the skillet. Continue cooking for approximately 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Toss Zoodles: Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes using tongs, just until the zoodles are slightly cooked and warmed through; be careful not to overcook so they stay crisp.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To keep the zoodles crisp and fresh, avoid cooking them for too long.
- You can adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce depending on your desired level of sweetness and heat.
- If shrimp is not available, substitute with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Using fresh lime juice adds brightness to the dish; bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
- Optional sesame seed garnish adds a subtle nutty crunch that complements the flavors nicely.
