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Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Stir Fry

Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Stir Fry - featured image

A quick, light, and satisfying stir fry featuring zucchini noodles and shrimp, perfect for diabetes-friendly and low-carb eating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar substitute like stevia (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, grated ginger, and half the minced garlic. Toss well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Using a spiralizer, create noodles from the zucchinis. If unavailable, use a vegetable peeler to make thin ribbons. Drain excess moisture and pat dry.
  3. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips and slice the green onions, separating white and green parts.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or substitute), and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  5. Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp and white parts of green onions. Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  6. In the same pan, add remaining garlic and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  7. Add zucchini noodles and stir gently for 2-3 minutes, keeping them tender but crisp.
  8. Return shrimp to the pan, pour sauce over everything, and toss to combine. Cook for another minute until heated through.
  9. Garnish with green onion tops, toasted sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Drain and pat dry zucchini noodles before cooking to avoid sogginess. Cook shrimp separately first to prevent rubbery texture. Use fresh garlic and ginger for best flavor. Adjust sauce seasoning to taste. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free version. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat in skillet to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini noodles, shrimp stir fry, diabetes-friendly, low carb, healthy dinner, quick meal, gluten-free, keto-friendly