Zoodle Recipes (3-Ways!!) (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook zoodles so they're not soggy? ›

Tip 5: Don't over-cook your noodles

To avoid soggy and limp noodles, I recommend cooking for only 3-5 minutes (5 if you're cooking more than 1-2 spiralized zucchinis) and tossing frequently. You want a slightly al dente noodle.

The biggest difference most people notice when they eat zucchini noodles is the texture. The texture of zoodles can vary based on how long they are cooked and how they are made. Lightly cooked zoodles will be crunchier than pasta and well-done zoodles will be softer.

Zucchini is low in fat, sugar, and calories, and high in vitamin C and fiber, making it a great substitute for traditional pasta noodles. Fiber helps to regulate bowels and maintain good digestive health, and vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect cells.

Don't pre-salt your zucchini noodles.

Whatever you do, do not let your cut zucchini noodles sit in salt before cooking.

This, the outlet asserts, is due to zucchini's high water content: If it cooks too slowly, it will release its moisture before it sears, becoming soggy and sodden. Over high heat, on the other hand, zucchini becomes caramelized on the outside but retains a meaty, firm texture within.

Compare two cups of pasta weighing in at 480 calories, 90 grams of carbs, and two grams of fiber with two cups of zucchini zoodles at 66 calories, twelve grams of carbs, and four grams of fiber. Seems like a no-brainer, right?

Spiral vegetable slicers (also known as spiralizers) are kitchen appliances used for cutting vegetables, such as zucchinis (to make zoodles), potatoes, cucumbers, carrots, apples, parsnips, and beetroots, into linguine-like strands which can be used as an alternative to pasta.

To prepare, there are four ways to make zucchini noodles and these can be achieved by using a spiralizer, mandoline, or vegetable peeler. If you think zucchini noodles are only for folks with a spiralizer, think again!

Don't! We like our regular pasta with a nice al dente bite, and the same goes for cooking zoodles! If you serve a warm sauce over the noodles, it will gently heat them through, so no actual cooking is necessary.

Spiralizers are a great tool if you're interested in making vegetable noodles often, but don't worry if you don't own one. This recipe also includes an option for making ribbon-shaped zucchini noodles using a standard vegetable peeler as well.

How long do cooked zoodles last in the fridge? ›

Zucchini noodles are best fresh, but if you want to make them ahead, place them in a paper towel-lined storage container and keep them in the fridge for no more than two days.

A look into essential Vitamins & Minerals, shows that Zucchini Pasta outdoes Spaghetti Squash on every one, except for Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium and Selenium. Information found from SELF's Nutrition Data calculator.

After you've spiralized or turned your zucchini into ribbons, sprinkle them with a bit of salt and let them sit in a colander for at least 10 minutes. This will help get rid of some of the excess moisture. To cook them, saute them in 1 teaspoon of olive oil for a 2-3 minutes over medium heat.

Arrange the zucchini pieces into a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (It will stick to the pan if you don't line it first!) Freeze the zucchini for about 1 hour, until it's firm to the touch, then transfer it to an airtight container to preserve the flavor as you store it.

Sprinkle the grated zucchini with salt, only to season them, not more. Put them to drain in a colander with a dish underneath. Leave for 1 hour, then, using your hands, squeeze out the excess liquid. Put the zucchini to one side.

While you can't go back in time and un-boil your pasta, you can sauté it in a bit of oil or butter. The dry heat in the pan will crisp up the edges of your soggy noodles, which will somewhat save the day.

A very quick pan sauté.

I gently toss them with the other veggies and/or sauce for about a minute over medium heat, just until they're warmed through. Don't cook them any longer, or they'll get soft and watery.