Zamora headlined a commanding display against last year's UEFA Cup winners by firing a spectacular 63rd-minute winner that saw the ball smash onto the crossbar and cannon into the net.
"It was a wonder strike from Bobby. He's got two feet - I don't know which is his best and neither does he," said the Fulham boss.
"Apart from his typically accomplished performance as a target man setting things up and working hard, his strike was of real quality."
He added: "We're now talking about a forward who has scored 14 goals in 31 starts. It's an excellent strike rate. I hope he can get over the 20-goal mark to crown his season."
Big-spending Shakhtar threatened to cut loose after Luiz Adriano equalised Gera's early opener, but Fulham rallied to give themselves a good chance of progressing in the competition ahead of next Thursday's second leg.
The Ukrainians, who fielded five Brazilians, played some wonderful football and threatened to overwhelm opponents fatigued by a punishing schedule.
But Fulham found a second wind after half-time and were helped by a superb stoppage-time save by Mark Schwarzer from Fernandinho.
"We're very happy to get victory against such a good team," said Hodgson. "It was a very exciting cup tie played in the right spirit and was very competitive. Both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I'm pleased to have taken such an important scalp. It's a big game for Fulham and we've come an awful long way."
Source: PA
Source: PA