Sometimes skin-friendly meals can feel a bit… virtuous. But this Zucchini Noodles with Prawn & Garlic-Lime Sauce dish is light, zesty, and fancy enough to feel like you’re spoiling yourself — without needing a restaurant bill to match.
It’s packed with lean protein, vitamin C, and antioxidant-rich zucchini. The prawns bring zinc and selenium to the table, both crucial for collagen production and skin repair. Add a quick garlic-lime sauce and you’ve got a 15-minute dish that feels like a skincare treatment disguised as dinner.
Why This Recipe Supports Collagen & Skin Health
- Prawns → Rich in protein, zinc, and selenium, all supporting collagen structure and skin repair.
- Zucchini → High in vitamin C, important for collagen synthesis, plus hydrating fibre.
- Garlic → Contains sulfur compounds that help stabilise collagen and protect against damage.
- Lime juice → Boosts vitamin C intake and brightens the flavour.
- Olive oil → A healthy fat that improves vitamin absorption.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
- 1 medium zucchini, spiralised (or 1½ cups pre-packed zucchini noodles)
- 100 g raw prawns, peeled & deveined
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lime
- ½ tsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Method
- Prep zucchini: If spiralising fresh zucchini, set aside noodles. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Cook prawns: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and prawns, cooking 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Make sauce: Add lime juice, soy sauce, and optional chili flakes. Toss prawns to coat.
- Combine: Add zucchini noodles to the pan, tossing gently for 1–2 minutes until warmed but still slightly crisp.
- Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and an extra squeeze of lime.
Nutritional Highlights (Approx. per serve)
- Calories: ~260 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Fibre: 4 g
- Vitamin C: ~45 mg (50% daily needs)
- Collagen-friendly combo: Protein + vitamin C + zinc + sulfur = collagen building + skin repair + elasticity boost.
Reheating & Storage Tips
- Best enjoyed fresh, as zucchini noodles release water if stored.
- If prepping ahead: cook prawns and sauce, store separately, and add zucchini noodles just before reheating.
- Reheat prawns gently in a pan (avoid microwaving too long or they’ll go rubbery).
Final Word
This recipe is everything solo cooking should be: quick, nourishing, and delicious. With prawns for protein and minerals, zucchini for hydration and vitamin C, and that punchy garlic-lime kick, your skin (and your tastebuds) will thank you.
