Rice Bowls

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Meal Prep Bowl

Garlic herb butter shrimp over drained zucchini noodles and brown rice.

Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 hr
Makes
4 bowls
Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Meal Prep Bowl with brown rice, zucchini noodles and garlic butter shrimp in a white porcelain bowl

Zucchini noodles release water, which is the main problem with meal-prepping them. Salting and draining them first, and packing them raw, keeps them crisp. The shrimp and garlic butter go on top, with brown rice for staying power.

Why this recipe works

Salting draws water out of zucchini so it doesn't flood the container. Packing it raw lets the heat of reheating soften it just enough.

Ingredient notes

The garlic butter solidifies in the fridge and melts back when reheated.

Common mistakes

  • Cooking the zucchini noodles before packing.
  • Overcooking the shrimp.

What to serve with it

Grated Parmesan or extra lemon.

Meal prep

Best within 3 days.

More bowls like this

Cooking tips

Pat the zucchini noodles very dry. Reheat gently so the shrimp don't toughen.

Swaps and variations

Use chicken (165°F / 74°C). Use olive oil instead of butter for dairy-free.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp & Zucchini Noodle Meal Prep Bowl

Prep
15 min
Cook
45 min
Total
1 hr
Makes
4 bowls

Ingredients

4 servings

You’ll need: large skillet; medium saucepan with lid; spiralizer; 4 meal prep containers

Method

  1. Cook the brown rice: bring the rice and water to a boil, cover and simmer on low 40 to 45 minutes; rest 10 minutes.

  2. Toss the zucchini noodles with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a colander and let drain 20 minutes. Pat dry with towels.

  3. Season the shrimp with the remaining salt. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp 1 to 2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque (145°F / 63°C). Transfer to a plate.

  4. Lower the heat, add the butter, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley and return the shrimp to coat.

  5. Divide rice and raw zucchini noodles among 4 containers and top with shrimp and garlic butter. Cool before sealing.

Questions

Will the zucchini get soggy?

Less so if salted, dried and packed raw.

Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles?

Yes, salt and dry them the same way.

Comments

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