If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors while staying light and refreshing, you must try this Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe. Picture tender, juicy shrimp kissed by the grill, infused with bright lime and orange zests, paired with crisp, delicate zucchini noodles that soak up every bit of the citrusy marinade. This recipe brings together zesty, garlicky, and herbaceous notes in a dish that feels like sunshine on your plate—healthy, colorful, and incredibly satisfying all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are the heart of this recipe, each one playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of vibrant flavor, texture, and aroma. From the bright citrus zests that awaken the senses to the fresh cilantro adding a green, herbaceous finish, every ingredient is essential.
- Lime zest (1.5 tsp): Adds a sharp, tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the shrimp.
- Orange zest (1.5 tsp): Brings a sweet citrus twist, elevating the marinade to another level.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced): Offers pungent warmth and depth in every bite.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tbsp, minced): Delivers herbal freshness that complements the citrus notes beautifully.
- Fresh lime juice (2 tsp): Enhances the overall tang and balances flavors perfectly.
- Fresh orange juice (1.5 tbsp): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to the marinade.
- Olive oil (6 tbsp): Provides richness and helps marry all marinade flavors together.
- Sea salt (0.5–0.75 tsp plus more for shrimp and zucchini): Accentuates the natural flavors while drying the zucchini noodles slightly.
- Black pepper or chipotle chili powder (0.25 tsp): Offers gentle heat and smokiness to balance the citrus.
- Honey (1 tsp, optional): Adds a touch of sweetness to round out the marinade, optional for Whole30 compliance.
- Peeled and deveined shrimp (1 lb): The star protein that grills beautifully with this zesty marinade.
- Zucchini (3-4 medium, spiralized): Substitutes pasta with refreshing, low-carb noodles full of crunch and subtle flavor.
- Extra fresh cilantro for garnish: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor when serving.
How to Make Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the lime zest, orange zest, minced garlic, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice, sea salt, pepper (or chipotle chili powder), and honey in a bowl. Whisk or blend these ingredients until smooth. Then, gradually whisk in the olive oil to create an emulsified marinade that will beautifully coat your shrimp, infusing every bite with vibrant citrus and herb flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Reserve three tablespoons of your freshly made marinade for later use. Add the shrimp to the remaining marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the shrimp soak up all the flavors in the fridge for at least one hour—this step is key for juicy, flavorful shrimp.
Step 3: Sweat the Zucchini Noodles
While the shrimp marinates, spiralize your zucchinis into noodles and place them in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle them with sea salt, allowing the salt to draw out excess moisture over about an hour. Afterward, press the zoodles with paper towels to remove any remaining liquid—this prevents sogginess and keeps your dish perfectly crisp.
Step 4: Preheat and Prepare the Grill
Heat your grill to high and lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil. This prevents the shrimp from sticking and helps achieve those beautiful char marks that add smoky flavor and eye appeal to your dish.
Step 5: Grill the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the marinade and shake off any excess, but keep a thin coating for flavor. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the grill, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery if left on too long.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Allow the shrimp to cool slightly before tossing them gently with the zucchini noodles. Add your reserved marinade to taste, which ties all the flavors together. Garnish liberally with fresh cilantro for that final burst of herbal brightness, and serve immediately while everything is fresh and vibrant.
How to Serve Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe
Garnishes
For the ideal finishing touch, sprinkle extra chopped fresh cilantro on top. You can also add a few thin slices of lime or orange around the plate for an elegant presentation and an extra pop of citrus aroma that invites you in.
Side Dishes
This plate shines on its own, but if you want to complement your meal, consider light sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or grilled asparagus with lemon zest. Both keep the meal bright and fresh without overpowering the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the zoodles and shrimp in hollowed-out zucchini halves for a fun, natural bowl. Alternatively, arrange the shrimp on top of the noodles in a spiral pattern, mirroring the zucchini noodles, creating a visually stunning dish that’s perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp and zoodles together to maintain flavor harmony but try to drain any excess liquid before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While the shrimp can be frozen if you want to prepare in advance, zucchini noodles do not freeze well as they release too much moisture and lose texture. Freeze shrimp only in the marinade for best results, and thaw in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat grilled shrimp gently in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through; avoid overheating to keep them tender. Serve the zoodles fresh or enjoy them cold in a salad, since reheating zucchini noodles can make them mushy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the shrimp and pat them dry before marinating to ensure they absorb the flavors and grill evenly.
Is this recipe gluten-free and keto-friendly?
Yes! Both the shrimp and zucchini noodles naturally contain no gluten and are low in carbs, making this recipe perfect for gluten-free and keto diets.
Can I substitute the zucchini noodles with another vegetable?
Certainly! Spiralized cucumber, carrot, or even sweet potato can work, though cooking times and textures will vary. Zucchini remains best for the fresh, crisp balance with grilled shrimp.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the shrimp another way?
No grill? No problem. You can cook the shrimp in a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan indoors, just be sure to get a nice sear without overcooking.
Is the honey necessary in the marinade?
The honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances acidity, but you can omit it if you are avoiding sugar or following Whole30. The dish will still be delicious thanks to the fresh citrus and herbs.
Final Thoughts
This Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles Recipe has become a personal favorite that I love to share with anyone who wants a meal that’s both light and bursting with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly fresh, and vibrant enough to make any weeknight feel special. Give it a go—you might find it becoming your go-to for warm-weather dinners or anytime you crave something bright and satisfying!
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: Low Carb
Description
This vibrant Citrus Grilled Shrimp Zoodles recipe combines the fresh flavors of lime and orange with garlic and cilantro to create a light, healthy, and refreshing meal. Juicy grilled shrimp marinated in a zesty citrus blend are served over tender spiralized zucchini noodles, making it a perfect low-carb dinner option that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
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, plus additional for seasoning shrimp
- 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
Zoodles
- 3–4 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 0.25–0.5 tsp sea salt for sweating zucchini
Garnish
- Extra fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine all marinade ingredients except olive oil in a bowl and whisk or blend on low speed until well mixed. Gradually whisk in the olive oil to emulsify and create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Reserve 3 tablespoons of the marinade for serving. Add the shrimp to the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the 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. Drain and press out any remaining moisture using paper towels to keep the noodles from becoming soggy.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to high temperature and lightly brush the grates with olive oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
- Grill the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the marinade, shaking off excess but leaving a light coating. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill the shrimp in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Take care not to overcook.
- Assemble and Serve: Allow the grilled shrimp to cool slightly. Toss them with the zucchini noodles and the reserved marinade to coat evenly. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinate the shrimp for at least one hour but no longer than two to avoid mushy texture.
- Be sure to press out as much moisture from the zoodles as possible to prevent watery noodles.
- Use fresh lime and orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- The honey in the marinade is optional; omit it to keep the recipe Whole30 compliant.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or skillet can be used on the stovetop as an alternative cooking method.
- For a spicier kick, consider using chipotle chili powder instead of black pepper.
