If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bright, zesty flavors with a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch, look no further than this Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe. It’s a vibrant, fresh meal that combines tender shrimp coated in luscious Thai sweet chili sauce with crisp, lightly cooked zucchini noodles. This recipe is not only a feast for your taste buds and eyes but also a quick, healthy option that’s sure to become your new go-to weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh and simple ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to add texture, color, and mouthwatering flavor that come together effortlessly.
- Shrimp (1 pound): Using peeled and thawed shrimp gives you tender bites that soak up the sweet chili sauce perfectly.
- Zucchini (2 medium): Spiralized zucchini noodles provide a light, fresh base that keeps the dish low-carb and full of crispness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This adds just enough richness to cook the shrimp and bring a warm, savory touch.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Garlic infuses a punch of aromatic flavor, elevating the overall dish.
- Thai sweet chili sauce (6 tablespoons): The star ingredient, delivering sweetness with a gentle heat that’s irresistibly addictive.
- Lime juice (from 1/2 lime): Adds a bright, zesty kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): Fresh cilantro lends a refreshing herbaceous note and a burst of vibrant green color.
- Salt & pepper: Adjust these simple seasonings to enhance and round out the flavors.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A sprinkle adds a subtle nutty crunch and decorative flair.
How to Make Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
Step 1: Spiralize Your Zucchini
Begin by spiralizing two medium zucchinis using the medium setting. This forms long, noodly strands that resemble pasta, giving you a fresh, low-carb alternative that soaks up the sauce while maintaining a pleasant crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking and a nice sear without overcooking.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Ingredients
Stir in minced garlic, 6 tablespoons of Thai sweet chili sauce, the juice of half a lime, and chopped cilantro. Let this cook together for approximately three more minutes, allowing the shrimp to finish cooking while soaking up the sweet and tangy sauce.
Step 4: Toss in the Zoodles
Finally, add the zucchini noodles to the pan and toss with tongs or a spatula constantly for one to two minutes. This step warms the zoodles just enough to soften them slightly, without losing their fresh texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with sesame seeds if you like, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance presentation and flavor by adding fresh sesame seeds for crunch and an extra sprinkle of cilantro if you love that bright herbal note. A lime wedge on the side also invites guests to add a splash of fresh juice for extra zest.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice to soak up any leftover sauce. A simple miso soup would complement the Thai-inspired flavors beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress, serve the Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe in individual bowls, swirling the zoodles into little nests topped with the shrimp. You can also place the zoodles on a platter and arrange the shrimp and garnishes artfully on top for a shared dining experience that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that zucchini noodles tend to release water as they sit, so it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimal texture.
Freezing
Because zucchini noodles have high water content, freezing is not recommended as it can make them mushy and watery once thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp mixed in sauce separately and combine with freshly spiralized zoodles when ready to eat.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, tossing carefully to avoid overcooking the shrimp or softening the zoodles too much. Alternatively, a quick microwave warm-up in short bursts works if you keep an eye on the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the sauce.
What if I don’t have a spiralizer? Can I use something else?
If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler or julienne peeler works well to create thin zucchini strips that mimic noodles.
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is mild to medium depending on the brand of Thai sweet chili sauce you use, which is generally sweet with a gentle kick. You can always adjust by adding chili flakes if you prefer it spicier.
Can I substitute another vegetable for zucchini?
Definitely! Cucumber or carrot noodles can offer a different but equally fresh texture and flavor if you want to change things up.
How long does this recipe take to prepare?
This Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe is super quick, with less than 15 minutes total prep and cook time, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a fast but delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about this Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles Recipe—a delightful harmony of sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors that come together in a clean, nutritious dish. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s a wonderful addition to your recipe rotation, especially when you want something quick, colorful, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Don’t wait to whip this up and enjoy the bright, irresistible taste that makes every bite memorable!
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: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles is a quick and healthy dish featuring tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful Thai sweet chili sauce, served over fresh spiralized zucchini noodles. This low-calorie, gluten-free recipe balances the sweetness of chili sauce with a hint of lime and fresh cilantro, making it a perfect light meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound shrimp (31–40 count size, thawed and peeled, tails 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 and pepper, to taste
Zoodles
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized (medium setting)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Zoodles: Spiralize the zucchini using the medium setting on your spiralizer. Set aside the zucchini noodles for quick cooking later.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the shrimp begin to turn pink and are just starting to cook through.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring often until the shrimp are fully cooked and have absorbed the sauce flavors.
- Toss Zoodles: Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet with the shrimp mixture. Toss and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the zoodles are slightly softened and warmed through.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can use tails on or off shrimp based on preference.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the sauce ingredients.
- Zoodles cook quickly, so avoid overcooking to maintain their crisp texture.
- If zucchini is watery, pat dry before spiralizing to avoid sogginess.
- This recipe is best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
