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Zucchini noodles are the perfect low-carb option for pasta night. Use these 3 cooking methods to add a little healthy goodness to dinnertime!
Zucchini is honestly the most versatile vegetable. It can be used in countless dishes! I love the way it transforms into pizza crust, lasagna, and gratin!
Easy Zucchini Noodles Recipe
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are an easy gluten-free, low-carb swap for pasta. A serving of spaghetti is usually around 200 calories, while the same amount of zucchini noodles is closer to 30! Zucchini has a mild flavor, so it soaks up whatever you add, whether itโs alfredo, spaghetti sauce, or pesto. And if youโre on a zucchini kick, youโll also love my crispy zucchini strings for a crunchy side or snack.
There are three easy ways to enjoy zoodles: boiled, sautรฉed, or raw. Boiled zucchini noodles are soft and work best in soups or stews since they can release extra water. Sautรฉed zoodles are quick, tender, and the most pasta-like. Raw zoodles have a fresh crunch and are perfect for cold salads like Greek pasta salad. No matter which method you choose, Iโll show you how to get the best texture!
Ingredients to Have On Hand for Cooking Zoodles
These are the ingredients you will need to create plain zucchini noodles. They are truly the best blank canvas. Top them with your favorite pasta sauce, or throw them into a stir fry with meat and veggies for a pop of satisfying texture!
- Zucchini: In this recipe, I use medium-sized zucchini. Large zucchini tend to be more seedy and have a higher water content. This can sometimes result in mushy zoodles.
- Salt and Pepper: I like to add salt and pepper to taste for a little initial seasoning.
- Olive Oil: If sauteing your zucchini noodles, use olive oil to help them cook up perfectly!
Using a Spiralizer
My spiralizer is one of my favorite kitchen tools. It gives you the perfect, long, and curly strips of vegetables with no hassle!
- Wash your zucchini and make sure the outside is free of dirt. Whether or not you want to keep the zucchini skin on is up to you, but I like to keep it on for a pop of color and extra health benefits! Zucchini skin contains cartenoids that work to boost your immune system and support eye health.
- Cut off the stem and remove the bottom of your zucchini.
- Poke your spiralizer blade into the end of your zucchini. Be sure to situate your zucchini so that you can get the longest slices possible.
- Attach the other side of your spiralizer. Once firmly in place, crank the handle to create oodles of zoodles!
Note: You can use your spiralizer for other vegetables like eggplant, squash, and carrots! I like to fill pasta salads with all sorts of veggie noodles. I love the variety of colors and textures.
Tips and Tricks for Making Zucchini Noodles
Making a tasty zucchini noodle dish is so easy! Use these tips and tricks to ensure a perfect result every time. The perfect healthy dinner for your family!
- Using a Julienne Peeler: If you donโt have a spiralizer, you can easily make zoodles with this other common kitchen tool! Use your peeler to make long slices and then gently pull them apart until you have your desired noodle thickness.
- Pat Zucchini Dry: Because zucchini has a very high water content, I recommend patting your zucchini noodles dry before adding sauces or pan frying.
- Avoid Overcooking: When pan frying your zoodles, only cook for a couple minutes. Zucchini will release more water the longer it is cooked. So, the longer you cook your zoodles, the higher the chance youโll end up with soggy noodles.
- Use Heavy Sauces: Opt for heavy sauces when making zucchini noodle recipes. Light or watery sauces can ultimately make your zucchini noodles more mushy.
- Eat Zucchini Noodles Raw: My tip for having the least soggy zoodles is to eat them raw! When you pour warm sauce over them, it will heat them just enough so that they are tender and delicious!
Boiling Zucchini Noodles
Boiled zoodles work best when put into soups. Their soft, delicious texture is an instant upgrade! You will love this amazing summer veggie in hearty soups like minestrone and chicken and rice.
- Add to Boiling Water: First, add your zucchini noodles to a pot of boiling water.
- Cook and Serve: Boil for 2 minutes, then drain completely and serve.
Sautรฉing Zucchini Noodles
Sautรฉed zucchini noodles are warm, tender, and delicious! They are perfect for oil-based pasta dishes like these tasty garlic mushroom and sesame noodle recipes! You can also throw them into stir-fries; pepper steak and garlic shrimp are some of my favorites.
- Add Olive Oil to a Skillet: In a medium sized skillet add 1 Tablespoon olive oil.
- Sautรฉ: Next, cook the zucchini noodles over medium-high heat until they start to soften. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Storing Leftover Zucchini Noodles
You can easily store zoodles to throw into a variety of dishes! They are the perfect healthy staple to have on hand. Quick and easy to make!
- In the Refrigerator: Zucchini noodles will keep for a week in an airtight container. Make sure you store them without any sauce added- this can make them become soggy faster.
- In the Freezer: Because of the high water content zoodles have, they donโt freeze well. They become too soggy when thawed.
- Reheating: I like to reheat my zucchini noodles in a skillet. Warming over medium-high heat helps to cook off any excess water.
More Zucchini Dishes
I canโt stress enough how amazing and versatile zucchini is. You have seen how it can transform into delicious noodles, now use it in casseroles and lasagna! These recipes taste so good, it is hard to believe they are so healthy and low carb! Your family will love them!
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Zucchini Noodles
Ingredientsย
- 3 medium zucchini
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
Instructionsย
- Using a spiralizer or the large side of a grater, grate one zucchini at a time.
To Boil the Zucchini:
- Add the zucchini to a pot of boiling water. Boil for 2 minutes and drain.
To sautรฉ the zucchini:
- In a medium-sized skillet add 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Cook the zucchini noodles over medium-high heat until they start to soften about 2-3 minutes.
To serve raw:
- Serve the noodles with a warm sauce on top.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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