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Fresh Zucchini Noodles Pasta Alternative

Zucchini Noodles with Garlic Prawns

A light, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring spiralized zucchini tossed with garlic, chilli, and succulent king prawns. A perfect low-carb meal for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 345

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium courgettes about 600g total
  • 1 tbsp coarse sea salt for drawing out water
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 200 g raw king prawns peeled and deveined
  • 4 large garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 1 red chilli finely chopped (deseeded for less heat, if you prefer)
  • 50 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
  • A small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
  • 20 g Parmesan cheese finely grated (optional, for serving)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Zoodles: Using a spiralizer, turn the courgettes into noodles. If you don't have one, you can use a julienne peeler or a standard vegetable peeler to create long, thin ribbons. Place the zoodles in a colander set over a bowl or in the sink.
  2. Salt the Zoodles: Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt over the courgette noodles and toss gently with your hands to distribute it evenly. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. You will see water begin to pool underneath the colander. This step is vital for a non-watery dish.
  3. Dry the Zoodles: After salting, rinse the zoodles lightly under cold water to remove the excess salt. Then, gently squeeze a handful at a time to remove as much water as possible. Lay them out on a clean tea towel or paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry. Set aside.
  4. Start the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over a medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and chopped chilli. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn a pale golden colour. Be careful not to let it burn, or it will become bitter.
  5. Cook the Prawns: Add the prepared prawns to the pan in a single layer. Season with a little black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute until they just start to soften.
  6. Combine Everything: Add the dried zucchini noodles to the pan with the prawns. What works best for me is using tongs to toss everything together gently but quickly. Cook for only 1-2 minutes. You want the zoodles to be warmed through and slightly tender, but still have a pleasant bite (al dente). Overcooking will make them release more water and become mushy.
  7. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together one last time. Serve immediately, garnished with a pinch of red pepper flakes and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, if using.

Notes

The key to non-watery zucchini noodles is to salt them to draw out moisture, rinse, and pat thoroughly dry before cooking. Do not overcook the zoodles to maintain a pleasant 'al dente' texture.