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    How to Cook Zucchini Noodles

    April 15, 2019 by Denise Bustard 10 Comments

    Home / Recipes / How To / How to Cook Zucchini Noodles

    Jump to Recipe

    How to cook zucchini noodles- showing you an easy 5-minute method for cooking zucchini noodles, plus how to make them ahead and store for meal prep.

    Vegetable noodles are one of my favorite ways to introduce new vegetable textures into recipes, and zucchini noodles are one of my favorites for many reason.

    showing how to cook zucchini noodles in a nonstick skillet with tongs

    Not only are zucchinis pretty easy to spiralize but zucchini noodles are surprisingly similar to pasta in texture. We like mixing zucchini noodles in 50/50 with whole wheat spaghetti and it is a great way to 'sneak' extra veggies in without really noticing.

    Today we are talking how to cook zucchini noodles, plus how to make them ahead and store for meal prep!

    Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

    Reasons to love zucchini noodles:

    • they blend into spaghetti dishes, sneaking in extra veggies
    • they are low carb and calorie and perfect for lightening up heavy dishes
    • they keep well for meal prep when stored properly

    how to make zucchini noodles recipe collage

    How to make zucchini noodles

    In order to make zucchini noodles, you will need a sprializer. These days there are plenty of spiralizers on the market, including cheaper hand-held models!

    I use the Paderno spiralizer and love how easy it is to use and clean. I have heard great things about the Inspiralizer as well, though I haven't tried.

    Here's how to make zucchini noodles:

    1. use the small (⅛ inch) spaced blade on your spiralizer
    2. pick a straight zucchini, wash, dry, and trim the ends (slice them off evenly)
    3. for larger zucchinis, you may wish to cut them in half as well
    4. place one end of the zucchini in the middle of the spiky paddle on the spiralizer, and the other end in the middle of the coring circle
    5. rotate the handle, applying gentle pressure to create zucchini noodles

    Here are some extra tips to get perfect zucchini noodles:

    • If you find you are creating 'half moons' rather than long zucchini strands, you might wish to reposition the zucchini on the spiralizer.
    • You may want to gently chop up your pile of zucchini noodles 1-2 times after spiralizing, otherwise you can end up with very long (and difficult to eat) zucchini noodles

    showing how to make zucchini noodles; tongs lifting noodles from pan

    How to cook zucchini noodles

    Cooking zucchini noodles is so simple, and all it takes is a couple of minutes.

    Here's how to cook zucchini noodles:

    1. heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
    2. add zucchini noodles and cook, stirring & tossing them up with tongs, for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened
    3. do not overcook

    You can also cook zucchini noodles right in a pasta sauce. Once your sauce is hot and ready to serve, add the zucchini noodles and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently with tongs.

    showing how to store before cooking zucchini noodles

    overhead view of storing noodles after making zucchini noodles

     

    How to store zucchini noodles for meal prep

    You can absolutely use zucchini noodles for meal prep, though there are a few 'rules'.

    • Pre-spiralized: You can pre-spiralize zucchini noodles and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to store on a paper towel, which absorbs extra moisture and keeps them from getting slimy.
    • Meal prep bowls: When using spiralized zucchini in meal prep bowls, do not cook, and store separately from a sauce if possible. When re-warming in the microwave, the zucchini noodles will cook through.
    • Freezer: zucchini noodles cannot be frozen. They get mushy and gross.

    overhead view of ingredients for zucchini noodles recipe on cutting board

    Zucchini Noodle Recipes

    • Sesame Ginger Beef with Zucchini Noodles
    • Spicy Tofu Noodle Meal Prep Bowls
    • Cold Sesame Noodle Meal Prep Bowls
    • Spiralized Veggie Thai Noodle Bowls

    Equipment for making and storing zucchini noodles

    • spiralizer
    • 6 cup glass meal prep container
    • non stick pan
    • rubber-tip tongs
    overhead shot of zucchini noodles coming out of spiralizer
    Print Recipe
    5 from 4 votes

    How to Cook Zucchini Noodles (with step by step instructions)

    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: American
    Calories: 34kcal
    Author: Denise Bustard
    Servings: 4
    How to cook zucchini noodles- showing you an easy 5-minute method for cooking zucchini noodles, plus how to make them ahead and store for meal prep.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time5 mins
    Total Time15 mins

    Ingredients

    • 2 zucchinis (medium size)
    • 2 teaspoons olive oil

    Instructions

    How to make zucchini noodles

    • Pick straight zucchini that are at least 2 inches thick.
    • Trim the ends off as straight as possible. You may wish to cut each zucchini in half across the center, to make two shorter pieces.
    • Use the small (⅛ inch) blade on your spiralizer. Attach one end of the zucchini to the rotating paddle, and center the middle of the opposite end of the zucchini on the circular blade.
    • Rotate the handle with gentle pressure to generate zucchini noodles.
    • If you are getting many short 'half moon' noodles, remove the zucchini and re-center it on the blade.

    How to cook zucchini noodles

    • Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the noodles and cook, stirring and tossing with tongs, until slightly tender, around 2-3 minutes.
    • Serve immediately.

    Storage

    • Zucchini noodles may be stored (pre-cooking) in a storage container lined with a paper towel for up to 4 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 34kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Vitamin C: 17.6mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @SweetPeaSaffron or tag #sweetpeasandsaffron

    About Denise Bustard

    Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more. read more

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    Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too!

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