8 Zesty Zoodle Recipes (2024)

FAQs

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

If you cook noodles too long in the skillet and they're already looking limp and soggy, they're going to be even soggier topped with sauce on your plate. 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.

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.

Although like any vegetable, cooking zucchini noodles does strip the squash of some of its nutrients, they still make a great low-carb, low-calorie food that tastes great any way you serve it. I do recommend salting and draining your zucchini noodles on a paper towel or over a colander before cooking them.

Sprinkle salt on the vegetables and let them sit overnight (or at least 6-8 hours), if possible. Remove the salt and the excess water by flushing in running water, then draining well and pressing between layers of paper towels before cooking them or by spinning the vegetables in a salad spinner.

Pat zucchini dry

Once sliced, zucchini slowly releases water, or "sweats", as it sits. Using a tea towel or paper towels, gently pat both sides of your zucchini dry before continuing with the recipe.

The secret to zucchini with the best flavor and texture is roasting it in a 450°F oven. Roasting zucchini at a high temperature instead of baking or sautéing helps develop browning and a slight char on the outside, which keeps it from getting soggy.

Add zucchini noodles. Toss with tongs and let the zucchini cook for just a minute or two. Remove from heat and add to sauce or add some salt and eat as is. Note: Don't salt the zucchini before you saute it; the noodles will release more water and they'll end up limp.

Zoodles are strands of zucchini that are made into the shape of noodles. They're very low in calories, low in carbs, gluten-free, easy to use in many recipes to replace regular noodles and quick to make. Benefits of zoodles include providing vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, potassium and antioxidants.

Zoodles or zucchini noodles have become a popular pasta substitute for those looking to reduce carbohydrates or calories, but the real benefit is the fun way to increase vegetables in your diet.

What is a serving size of zoodles? ›

A note on serving size

We recommend spiralizing just about 1 pound of zucchini per serving (for a large, lunch or dinner-sized meal) – that equates to about two medium sized zucchinis or 2 cups, cooked. With regular wheat spaghetti, the serving size is less than 1 cup cooked – actually, about 3/4 heaping cup.

My Verdict – This is the best (and really only) way to store zoodles. They'll last about 4-5 days in the fridge.

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.

Potential Side Effects of Eating Zucchini

“Zucchini is generally healthy and without significant risks, although it can cause gastrointestinal issues” in people with existing digestive conditions, says Gillespie. “Additionally, eating zucchini raw can cause bloating in certain individuals because of the fiber content.”

Another potential side effect of eating raw zucchini is bloating. This is caused by nutrients like cellulose, a structural component of plant cell walls, and soluble fiber, which is fermented by your healthy gut bacteria and produces gas as a side effect ( 4 ).

It is possible for diabetics to enjoy their favorite feel-good foods like pasta (and fries) we simply have to get a little more creative. The foods you eat should taste great, make you happy, and keep your blood sugar stable. Zucchini “zoodles” definitely fit that bill!

Salt causes zucchini rounds to release excess water. This important extra step helps the zucchini to sauté rather than stew in its own juices.

Freezing Zucchini Noodles, or “Zoodles”

Zoodles freeze perfectly, and I think they are better frozen-thawed than fresh! The process of blanching wilts and softens the zucchini, and once thawed, all they need is a quick sauté. Use zucchini noodles as a vegetable alternative to traditional pasta.

Mushy veggies are also often the result of overcooking. When the interior is loaded with moisture, you have to cook it for much longer to evaporate all of the water and avoid the interior having the unappealing, spongy, raw texture that eggplant and zucchini are notorious for.

Don't overcook the noodles, otherwise, they'll get soggy. I like mine to have a slight crunch, sort of like al dente pasta. After spiralizing your zucchini noodles, sprinkle with a bit of salt and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes. It'll help get rid of some of the excess moisture.

Does zucchini get softer the longer you cook it? ›

You can embrace zucchini's plump nature by cooking it for longer and letting it turn soft and silky.

Yes, you should always salt your zucchini before frying — especially if you're aiming to achieve a crispy texture. Salting your zucchini helps remove the excess moisture stuck in the zucchini that would otherwise make frying a challenge.