Zucchini Noodles: the low-carb main recipe made with raw zucchini

Name: Zucchini Noodles: the low-carb main recipe made with raw zucchini
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: Zucchini, 2; pesto, 1 to 2 tbsp; Olive oil,; Cherry tomatoes, 5 to 6

Total time: 15 Min

Difficulty: Low

Serves: 2 people

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By Editorial Team

Zucchini noodles, also affectionally known as zoodles, have become super popular thanks to the rise of low-carb and ketogenic diets. This recipe is not only low-carb and gluten-free, it’s a healthy zucchini pasta recipe that you can whip up as a light lunch.

Zucchini noodles are often substituted for normal spaghetti and is a great low-carb alternative if you’re craving traditional spaghetti bolognese. The zoodles are long and curly when using a spiralizer, while the texture is crunchy with not a hint of sogginess or wateriness. Using a spiralizer tool is useful, but we also have tips on how to make zoodles if you don’t have one.

You can serve it raw zucchini noodles with pesto, tomatoes, and olive oil as in our recipe, or steam it and serve it with a meat or cream sauce. The ideas are endless and you can customize the recipe as you like!

What Are Zucchini Noodles?

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a great, tasty alternative to spaghetti. It’s made by cutting zucchini to resemble spaghetti. It’s gluten-free and low-carb and makes a great base for other meals instead of carb-heavy pasta. For zoodles that most resemble spaghetti or noodles, use the largest zucchini you can find.

How To Make Zucchini Noodles

There are several ways to make zucchini noodles (there’s no need to peel the zucchini). The first and easiest way to make zucchini pasta is to use a countertop spiralizer. It sits on the counter using suction, so it’s easy to churn out lots of zoodles without a lot of effort. It creates the perfect spaghetti shape. You also get a handheld spiralizer that makes the same type of zoodles but requires a bit more effort.

How To Make Zucchini Noodles Without A Spiralizer

Making Zoodles With A Julienne Peeler

If you don’t have any of these tools, you could also use a julienne peeler. This will result in shorter zoodles that will look more like angel hair pasta.

Making Zucchini Noodles with a Mandoline

You could of course also use a knife and cut the zucchini into small strips to make ‘fettucine’. However, it requires some skill! You can use mandoline too if you have one.

Can You Eat Zucchini Noodles Raw?

Zucchini noodles are so versatile, they can be eaten raw or cooked. If you prefer your zucchini with a bit of bite (i.e. crunchier), then it’s best to eat them raw. You simply spiralize them and add them with your favorite sauce.

How To Cook Zucchini Noodles

To prevent the zucchini from going too mushy, they shouldn’t be cooked for too long.

Sautéing Zucchini Noodles

Sautéing your zoodles on the stovetop is another quick way to cook them. Simply pour a bit of oil into a pan over medium heat and sauté for about 1-2 minutes.

Microwaving Zoodles

Cooking the zoodles in the microwave is the quickest way to get them on the table. Simply place the noodles on a clean plate, and microwave for 30-second increments until cooked. Don’t cook any longer, otherwise, the zucchini will become soft.

Boiling Zucchini Noodles

This method is similar to the way you’d make pasta but takes less time. It’s quite simple to boil a pot of water, toss in your zucchini noodles and cook for one minute. It’s similar to cooking frozen veggies on the stovetop. And once your noodles have cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and serve. If you’d like them super dry, blot them with a paper towel before serving.

Baking Zucchini Noodles

Finally, you can also bake zucchini noodles. This is useful if your stovetops are cooking other dishes. Place the zucchini noodles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes. Pat dry with towel paper.

Tips

To prevent the zucchini from becoming too soggy, you shouldn’t cook it for too long. Whatever method you use, don’t overcook them!

Salting the zucchini beforehand will help draw out some of the excess moisture and bitterness in zucchini and will keep some of the texture.

How To Serve Zucchini Noodles

Serve the zucchini noodles on their own with pesto, red pepper sauce, or cream. You can also serve the zucchini as a side with your favorite salad dressing. You can also serve zoodles with Bolognese sauce instead of spaghetti.