Baja Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Traditional shrimp scampi is an absolute classic, but the flavors of garlic and wine can be a bit one-note—but by adding a few fresh and colorful ingredients, you can take the traditional and create something even better. Swapping the wine for lime juice makes this entirely alcohol-free and using zucchini noodles in place of traditional pasta eliminates gluten and empty carbohydrates. Cherry tomatoes, black beans, avocado, and scallions bring the Baja brightness to truly transform a dish you thought you knew.
Baja Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
7 mins
Serves
2
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces frozen extra-large cooked shrimp
1 tablespoon (jarred) minced garlic
2 medium zucchini, spiralized
1/2 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
Juice of 1/2 lime
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped
2 scallions, sliced
DIRECTIONS
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add shrimp and garlic to the hot skillet and sauté 3 minutes, until shrimp are almost defrosted.
Add spiralized zucchini, tomatoes, black beans, lime juice, chili powder, and cumin and continue sautéing an additional 3–4 minutes, just until zucchini noodles are crisp-tender and shrimp are warmed throughout.
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving topped with chopped avocado and sliced scallions.
Mona’s Tips
Minced garlic is sold in small jars in the produce section of the grocery store. Keeping a jar of it in your fridge can save you a ton of time on prep, though it is not as strong as fresh garlic (most people prefer this). If using fresh garlic, use only 2 cloves, minced.
Ingredient Insider
Zucchini is a great source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and even potassium, but the real standout in a dish like this one is just how much lower in carbohydrates zucchini noodles are than pasta made from flour, even whole wheat pasta. Cup for cup, zucchini has less than a tenth of the carbs of cooked pasta.
Calories per serving: 400 ∙ Fat: 18.5g ∙ Carbs: 37g ∙ Fiber: 12.5