Middle-Eastern Spiced Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Sun Nov 09 2025
Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? It's time to transport your taste buds to the vibrant world of Middle-Eastern cuisine with a dish that's as healthy as it is delicious. This Middle-Eastern Spiced Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles is the perfect answer to your dinner dilemma, combining succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a symphony of warm spices.
Forget heavy pasta dishes. Here, we swap traditional noodles for light, crisp zucchini 'zoodles', tossed in a bright, savory tomato sauce. It's a high-protein, low-carb meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you're craving something special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 300g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchini (approx. 400g), spiralized
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 30ml extra virgin olive oil
- 15g fresh basil, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the same pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently pressing on them to release their juices, until they soften and form a light sauce.
- Add the spiralized zucchini to the pan. Toss with the tomato sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the zucchini is tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will become watery.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan. Add the chopped fresh basil and the lemon juice. Toss everything together for one minute to combine and warm through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Tips & Substitutions
- Don't Overcook the Zoodles: To avoid watery noodles, cook the zucchini for only 2-3 minutes until just tender-crisp. They will continue to soften slightly from the residual heat of the sauce.
- Protein Swap: Not a fan of shrimp? This recipe works beautifully with chicken breast strips or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Spice It Up (or Down): Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. For a deeper, smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika along with the cumin and coriander.
Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 685
- Protein: 67g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 9g
Related Recipe
See the original recipe: "Middle-Eastern Spiced Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles"A Perfect Weeknight Wonder!
And there you have it—a stunning, simple, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any night of the week. This recipe is a testament to how healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and exciting.
Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Share your creations with us on social media.







