How to Make Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp w/ Zucchini Noodles
How to Make Keto Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp w/ Zucchini Noodles is a easy American (Keto) recipe that serves 2. 415 calories per serving. Recipe by Sincerely Legenia on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 22 min
Cost: $17.28 total, $8.64 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin, for skillet)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes; 1 tbsp for start, 2 tbsp for sauce)
- 1 pound Large Raw Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 0.5 teaspoon Pink Himalayan Salt (fine, for seasoning)
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust heat to taste)
- 0.25 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 count Zucchini (medium, spiralized into noodles (about 4 cups))
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Flakes (for garnish)
- 1 count Lemon Wedges (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
Spiralize Zucchini
Using a spiralizer or julienne peeler, turn the zucchini into noodle‑like strands. Lightly salt and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT5M
Heat Pan and Add Fats
Place the large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter, letting the butter melt and foam.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Sauté Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer, sprinkle with pink Himalayan salt and red pepper flakes. Cook 2 minutes without moving, then flip.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Finish Shrimp Cooking
Cook the other side for another 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and develop a light char. Transfer shrimp to a bowl and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup chicken stock, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon sriracha. Stir, scraping up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Cook Zucchini Noodles
Add the prepared zucchini noodles to the sauce. Toss to coat and let them simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the released water evaporates and the noodles are tender‑crisp, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Re‑incorporate Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp to the pan, toss gently to combine and heat through for about 1 minute. Ensure shrimp are warmed but not overcooked.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium
Plate and Garnish
Divide the shrimp and zucchini noodles between plates. Sprinkle with fresh parsley flakes and arrange lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 415
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 7g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Keto, Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Pescatarian, Nut-Free
Allergens: Shellfish, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: Avocado Oil, Canola Oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Ghee, Coconut Oil
- Instead of Large Raw Shrimp: Scallops, Chicken Breast (not keto)
- Instead of Pink Himalayan Salt: Sea Salt, Kosher Salt
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne Pepper, Chili Powder
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable Stock, Water with bouillon
- Instead of Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon zest + splash of vinegar
- Instead of Sriracha: Hot sauce, Chili garlic sauce
- Instead of Zucchini: Yellow squash, Shirataki noodles
- Instead of Fresh Parsley Flakes: Cilantro, Basil
- Instead of Lemon Wedges: Lime wedges
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Bowl
- Spiralizer (optional)
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cup
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Add butter to the pan before adding shrimp to prevent sticking.
- Scrape the browned bits (fond) from the pan when making the sauce.
- Allow zucchini noodles to release and reduce excess water before finishing.
- Do not overcook shrimp; remove from heat when just opaque.
- Season shrimp early for maximum flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Pat the shrimp dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear.
- Use medium‑high heat so the butter browns slightly, adding nutty depth to the sauce.
- A touch of extra lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.
- If you like extra char, let the noodles sit undisturbed for the last minute of cooking.
Troubleshooting
Shrimp becomes rubbery.
Cook shrimp only until pink, about 2‑3 minutes per side, and remove from heat immediately; finish cooking in the sauce.
Zucchini noodles are watery and soggy.
After spiralizing, lightly salt and pat dry, or let them cook a little longer in the pan to evaporate excess moisture before adding the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freezer: Not recommended; zucchini noodles become soggy after freezing.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; keep covered.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Spiralize the zucchini ahead of time and store in a paper‑towel‑lined container to absorb moisture.
- Prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce and keep warm; add shrimp and noodles just before serving.
- Keep raw shrimp refrigerated and cook within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of zucchini noodles in low‑carb or keto cuisine?
Zucchini noodles, often called "zoodles," became popular in the early 2000s as a vegetable‑based alternative to pasta for low‑carb and keto diets. They allow traditional pasta dishes to be enjoyed without the carbs, fitting the modern health‑focused lifestyle.
How did lemon garlic butter shrimp become popular in American keto cooking?
Lemon garlic butter shrimp is a classic quick‑cook seafood dish that fits the high‑fat, moderate‑protein profile of keto. Its bright citrus flavor and rich butter sauce make it a favorite on keto blogs and YouTube channels like Sincerely Legenia.
What traditional regional variations exist for shrimp dishes with lemon and butter in Mediterranean cuisine?
In Mediterranean cuisine, shrimp is often sautéed in olive oil with garlic, lemon, and sometimes white wine or herbs like parsley. The American keto version swaps olive oil for butter to increase fat content while keeping the lemon‑garlic flavor profile.
What occasions or celebrations is a keto shrimp and zucchini noodle dish traditionally associated with in modern health‑focused gatherings?
This dish is popular at low‑carb dinner parties, keto potlucks, and fitness‑focused celebrations because it’s quick, elegant, and fits strict macronutrient goals while still feeling indulgent.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a lemon garlic butter shrimp sauce versus acceptable keto‑friendly substitutes?
Traditionally the sauce uses butter, garlic, lemon juice, and sometimes white wine. For keto, the wine can be omitted or replaced with extra chicken stock, and a dash of sriracha adds heat without carbs. All ingredients remain keto‑friendly.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making keto lemon garlic butter shrimp with zucchini noodles?
Common mistakes include overcooking the shrimp, which makes them rubbery, and not reducing the moisture from the zucchini noodles, resulting in a soggy dish. Also, forgetting to add butter before the shrimp can cause sticking.
Why does this recipe add butter after the shrimp has started cooking instead of at the very beginning?
Adding butter later prevents it from burning at high heat and allows the shrimp to sear in oil first. The later butter addition creates a rich, glossy sauce while preserving the nutty flavor of browned butter.
How do I know when the zucchini noodles have reduced enough water and are ready?
The noodles are ready when most of the released liquid has evaporated, leaving the pan relatively dry and the noodles tender‑crisp with a slight char. Taste a strand; it should have a firm bite, not mushy.
What does the YouTube channel Sincerely Legenia specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sincerely Legenia specializes in quick, health‑focused recipes, especially keto and low‑carb meals, with a calm, instructional style that emphasizes flavor and simplicity.
How does the YouTube channel Sincerely Legenia's approach to keto cooking differ from other keto cooking channels?
Sincerely Legenia focuses on minimal ingredient lists, real‑world kitchen tools, and clear step‑by‑step narration, avoiding overly technical jargon. The channel often shares personal health insights alongside each recipe, making it relatable for everyday cooks.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
