How to Cook Zucchini Noodles

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.

Not only are zucchini pretty easy to spiralize, but zucchini noodles are surprisingly similar to pasta in texture. We like mixing zucchini noodles 50/50 with whole wheat spaghetti, and it is a great way to 'sneak' extra veggies in without really noticing. Today, we are talking about how to cook zucchini noodles, plus how to make them ahead and store them for meal prep!

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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 it.

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

Tips

• 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.

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.

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.

How to use Zucchini Noodles

This isn't an ingredient that is just for healthy dinner recipes. It works beautifully for meal prep as well! Some amazing recipes includeSesame Ginger Beef with Zucchini Noodles, and Spicy Tofu Noodle Meal Prep Bowls.