How to Make Zucchini Noodles : In the world of healthy eating, zucchini noodles, affectionately known as “zoodles,” have become a popular alternative to traditional pasta. Not only are they a low-carb and gluten-free option, but they also offer a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. If you’re new to the world of zoodles, fear not! In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps of making zucchini noodles right in your own kitchen.
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A Beginner’s Guide to Making Zucchini Noodles
Step 1: Choose Your Zucchini
Start by selecting fresh, firm zucchinis from your local grocery store or farmers’ market. Look for ones that are free of blemishes and have vibrant green skin. Typically, medium-sized zucchinis work best for spiralizing.
It would be better to choose dark green zucchinis rather than light green ones. Dark colored ones are more suitable for making zoodles because they have a firmer structure and contain fewer seeds.
It is difficult to find dark green zucchini in Turkey. Mostly light green zucchinis are sold here. I made noodles and spaghetti using light green ones to substitute pasta on the keto diet. It was delicious, my whole family loved it, even those who are not on a low-carb diet.
Step 2: Wash and Prep
Once you have your zucchinis, give them a thorough wash under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Trim off the ends of the zucchinis using a knife.
Step 3: Spiralize
Now comes the fun part – spiralizing! You can use either a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to turn your zucchinis into noodles. If you’re using a spiralizer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to spiralize the zucchinis into long, spaghetti-like strands. If you’re using a julienne peeler, simply run the peeler down the length of the zucchini to create thin strips resembling noodles.
I mostly use a double-sided julienne peeler. One side of the peeler is used to peel spaghetti size and the other side is used to peel julienne.
If you want, you can also make fettuccine using julienne peeler. After peeling the zucchini, simply divide it into 2 or 3 parts.
Step 4: Drain Excess Moisture
Zucchinis contain a high water content, which can make your noodles soggy if not addressed. To prevent this, place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture. Then, gently pat the noodles dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Or you can easily squeeze the zucchinis with your hands to remove excess water.
Do not skip this step. Otherwise, the zucchinis will release their water and ruin your sauce.
Step 5: Cook or Enjoy Raw
Zucchini noodles can be enjoyed both raw and cooked, depending on your preference. If you prefer them raw, simply toss them with your favorite sauce or dressing and enjoy! For a cooked option, sauté the noodles in a pan with a bit of olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your zucchini noodles are cooked to your liking, it’s time to serve them up! Top them with your favorite sauce – whether it’s marinara, pesto, alfredo, or something else entirely – along with any additional toppings you desire. Fresh herbs, grated cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes also are all excellent choices.
Embracing Healthy Eating
Making zucchini noodles at home is quick, easy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to cut back on carbs, increase your vegetable intake, or simply try something new, zoodles or zucchini spaghetties are a delicious and nutritious option to consider. So why not give them a try?
How To Make Zucchini Noodles
Equipment
- spirilazer or mandoline or julienne peeler
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini
Instructions
Preparation:
- Select fresh, firm zucchinis. Medium-sized zucchinis work best for spiralizing.
- Once you have your zucchinis, give them a thorough wash under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends.
- You can use either a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to turn your zucchinis into noodles.
Before Using:
- Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture.
- Pat the noodles dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Or you can easily squeeze the zucchinis with your hands to remove excess water.
Cooking:
- Sauté the noodles in a pan with a bit of olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. Don't overcook or they will fall apart.
- Toss them with your favorite sauce (marinara, pesto, alfredo etc.) or dressing along with any additional toppings you desire. And enjoy!