This easy zoodles recipe is great for those looking for a delicious plant-based meal or a substitute for regular pasta. This dish is low carb, easy to make, and ready to eat in just minutes!
What are Zoodles?
Zoodles are noodle-like zucchini strings made with a vegetable spiralizer. It’s great for those following a Keto, Whole30, or Paleo diet. Zucchinis are quite low in calories and sugar and are a great source of potassium and folate. One serving of this easy zoodles recipe is 47 calories, 3 net carbs, and 2 grams of protein. And, that total includes grated parmesan cheese, light seasonings, and lemon juice. Sounds amazing to me, and tastes even better!
How do you make zoodles?
You will need a spiralizer or a “zoodle maker” to create fresh zoodles. Start with a large unpeeled zucchini. Run it through the spiralizer. Don’t worry about those zucchini skin; it cooks to perfect tenderness and gives this dish a fun multicolored appearance. They are also quite nutritious and should be left on! If you do not have access to a spiralizer, you can also make broad strips that resemble pappardelle pasta just by using your vegetable peeler. However, spiralizers are easy to come by in-store or online for around $15-$25.
Zoodle Tips
Do not add salt during the cooking process or before cooking. Salt will break down the zucchini and release water. Salt your zoodles after they have cooked.
There is an art to cooking zoodles. Even though these beautiful vegetable strips are quick and easy to make, the point is to keep cooking to a minimum. Since zucchini is mostly made up of water, overcooking will cause them to turn mushy and lose their shape.
Pair it with a delicious homemade low-carb marinara or with Vietnamese chicken meatballs.
How To Cook Zoodles
There are two easy ways to cook zoodles. One way is to cook them in a skillet for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. The other is to cook them in your microwave for the same amount of time. Remember to salt after cooking.
Can You Freeze Zoodles?
The short answer is yes. However, I recommend doing so in a vacuum-sealed bag. Make sure they are uncooked. Never freeze cooked zoodles. They will disintegrate upon reheating. Let the frozen raw zoodles gradually increase in temperature by placing them in your refrigerator for 6-8 hours. Remove them from the bag and lightly blot away excess moisture with paper towels before cooking. Keep in mind that they will be softer than fresh zoodles.
Easy Zoodles Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 large zucchini
- 1 1//2 teaspoons olive oil
- a few pinches of garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (omit this for Whole30)
- 1/2 lemon, optional
Cooking Them
- Remove the ends of the zucchini and set it up on the spiralizer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Use the medium-sized blade (small is too small!) Then make your zoodles.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini noodles, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for three minutes, stirring with tongs or a fork.
- Season with salt, spritz with a little lemon juice, and toss with grated parmesan
- Serve these zoodles immediately.
- This dish is wonderful paired with Beef Bolognese or, my favorite, Baked Cod in Tomato Herb Sauce.
Easy Zoodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- 1 1//2 teaspoons olive oil
- a few pinches of garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (omit for Whole30)
- 1/2 lemon optional
Instructions
- Remove the ends of the zucchini and set it up on the spiralizer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Use the medium-sized blade (small is too small!) Then make your zoodles.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add zucchini noodles, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring with tongs or a fork.
- Season with salt, spritz with a little lemon juice, and toss with grated parmesan
- Serve immediately.
