Chipotle Shrimp with Avocado Sauce Zucchini Noodles
Smoky chipotle-marinated shrimp paired with creamy avocado-cilantro sauce over lightly charred zucchini and carrot noodles. Bright lime and fresh jalapeño balance the heat, while cumin and oregano tie the two sauces together. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep—quick, protein-rich, and naturally low-carb without sacrificing bold flavor. This version skips cream entirely, keeping the avocado sauce silky through careful pulsing and water adjustment.
Ingredients
- 2 avocado, ripe, not browncashew cream (1/2 cup soaked cashews + water)1:1veganadds dairy
processed until silky; adds richness
Full guide → - 1 jalapeño, seeds removed
- ¼ cup lime juice, divided
- ½ cup cilantro, stems and leaves, rough chopped
- 2 tsp oregano
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic clove, large
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 3 zucchini, spiralizedspaghetti squash or regular pasta1:1 by volumelow-carb swap
adjust cook time for pasta type
Full guide → - 2 carrot, spiralized(optional)
- 20 shrimp, about 1 lb, cleanedfirm white fish fillet (6-8 oz)1:1 by weightpescatarianshellfish-free
same chipotle marinade; reduce cook time to 1-2 min per side
Full guide → - 3 tbsp chipotle in adobo, 2 chilies plus 1 tbsp sauce
- 1 tbsp agave syrup
Instructions
- 1
Process chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, 1 tbsp olive oil, agave syrup, 1 garlic clove, half the cumin, and half the oregano until smooth.
- 2
Coat shrimp with chipotle mixture and let sit.
- 3
Process avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, 2 tbsp olive oil, remaining garlic, remaining cumin, remaining oregano, and 1 tbsp water until creamy; thin with more water if needed and season to taste.
- 4
Heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet over high heat, add spiralized zucchini and carrots, cook until edges char lightly.
- 5
Add remaining oil to pan, cook marinated shrimp until pink and caramelized on both sides.
- 6
Toss noodles with avocado sauce, divide among plates, top with shrimp, garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Tips
Don't over-process avocado sauce—pulse just until creamy to avoid browning. Taste and adjust lime juice for brightness before plating.
Spiralize zucchini right before cooking to prevent moisture buildup. If using frozen shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry for better caramelization.
Reserve extra chipotle sauce from step 2 to drizzle over finished bowls for extra heat and depth.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked shrimp and avocado sauce in separate containers up to 3 days. Store spiralized noodles in paper towels in a container for up to 2 days. Do not freeze avocado sauce.
Prepare chipotle and avocado sauces up to 1 day ahead; cover avocado sauce directly with plastic wrap to prevent browning. Marinate shrimp up to 8 hours. Spiralize noodles and store with paper towels up to 1 day prior.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Pairs well with a crisp white wine, sparkling agua fresca, or light lager. Works for meal prep—store components separately and assemble before eating.
Common Mistakes
Over-blend avocado sauce to avoid oxidation and graininess; pulse briefly and fold by hand if needed.
Cook shrimp without patting dry to ensure a proper sear rather than steam.
Don't skip charring the noodles; it prevents them from becoming mushy and adds textural contrast.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
processed until silky; adds richness
Full guide →General Alternatives
same chipotle marinade; reduce cook time to 1-2 min per side
Full guide →adjust cook time for pasta type
FAQ
Can I make this with canned or frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure even cooking and browning. Canned shrimp should be rinsed and drained; add it to the pan only to warm through (1 minute per side) to avoid toughening.
What if I don't have a food processor?
Finely mince garlic, jalapeño, and cilantro by hand. Mash avocado with a fork, then stir in minced ingredients, lime juice, oil, and seasonings. For chipotle sauce, mash chilies well with the back of a spoon and mix thoroughly.
How long can I keep the avocado sauce?
Keep refrigerated up to 3 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure and browning. If discoloration occurs at the edges, scoop off the darkened layer; the interior should remain green and fresh.