How to Make Zucchini Noodles aka Zoodles

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Zucchini noodles (also known as “zoodles“) are a delicious low-carb gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta. We will be showing you a step-by-step process of how to make zoodles and different ways to enjoy them.

side shot of zoodles in a white plate over a brown cutting board

What are Zucchini noodles “Zoodles”?
Why you should consider adding zucchini noodles to your meals
How to Make Zoodles
How to Cook Zucchini noodles “zoodles”
Tips on Making The Perfect Zoodles
How to Pick the best Zucchini
Frequently asked questions
Recipes using Zucchini Noodles
How to Make Zucchini Noodles aka Zoodles Recipe

What are Zucchini noodles “Zoodles”?

Zoodles is a word that combines both zucchini and noodles. Zoodles are when you cut up a zucchini thinly into a noodle shape. The zoodles are then cooked and can be used in place of pasta. They are a great option if you are looking to have a low-carb meal instead of carbohydrate-rich pasts or if you have any gluten allergies or are on a keto-diets.

Why you should consider adding zucchini noodles to your meals

A great low carb alternative: If you are doing a low carb diet or on a keto-diet, then using zucchini noodles is your way to go. They are low in carbs, and a great option to swap traditional noodles with.
Gluten-free option: Your stomach can’t handle gluten? Even though there are gluten-free pasta options readily available, you may want to have a more nutritious option by swapping the pasta with zoodles.
Very nutritious: Zucchini is very nutritious and good for you. They are high in antioxidants, Vitamins like B6, C, potassium, and mangnessium. Also rich in fiber and helps promote healthy digestion.

4 whole green zucchinis on a brown cutting board

How to Make Zoodles

There are many different methods to make zucchini noodles or zoodles. We will be walking you though each method so you can decide which method best fits. The different ways of making zoodles which will be discussed in dept are using a plain knife, a peeler, a mandolin, or a spiralizer.

Ho toMake Zoodles with a Spiralizer

To make zoodles that mimic the shape of spaghetti, you can use a spiralizer. You can use a handheld spiralizer, a countertop spiralizer, for a spiralizer attachment on a Kitchenaid. Be sure to cut off the ends of the zucchinis so the spiralizer can grip them. Your zucchini noodles will come out curly when using a spiralizer. You simply follow in instructions on how to use the equipment if you choose to use a spiralizer.

using spiralizer to make the zucchini noodles onto a white plate

how to Make Zoodles with a Mandolin and Knife

Using the different settings on a mandolin, you can make zoodles that are similar to pappardelle-styled noodles by running the zucchini through the mandolin or fettuccine by running the zucchini through and then cutting them lengthwise with a knife. Always be mindful when using a mandolin, either use a guard or cut-resistant gloves when running the zucchini run and down the mandolin blade.

tip of zucchini cut off on a cutting board

knife cutting thin layers of zucchini into noodles

layers of zucchini cut into noodles on a cutting board

Make Zoodles with a Julienne Peeler

For thinner zoodles that are similar to angel hair pasta, use a julienne peeler on a zucchini. Using a julienne peeler gives you long thin straight strands of zucchini noodles compared to a spiralizer. To use the julienne peeler, hold the zucchini with one hand and run the julienne peeler down across the zucchini to make the long thin strands.

hand holding peeler and pealing a thin layer off zucchini

How to Cook Zucchini noodles “zoodles”

There are a few methods on how to cook zoodles. You want to cook your zucchini noodles just enough that they’re heated through but not too much that they release a ton of water. It can be a little tricky at first as zoodles can get watery when you cook them too much but not to worry, With our guide, you’ll be making perfect zoodles every time.

enjoy zoodles Raw

You can eat zoodles raw! No risk of watery zucchini noodles with this method! Think of how you would serve a cold pasta salad and you can substitute the pasta with the raw zoodles. Be sure to season with salt and pepper.

Cooking zoodles In the Microwave

The quickest way to cook zucchini noodles with the least amount of clean-up is by cooking your zoodles in the microwave. Simply microwave the zoodles for 30-60 seconds then season them with some salt and pepper. Enjoy it with your main dish or chicken or whatever you plan to serve it with.

COOKING ZOODLES On the Stovetop

Another way to cook your zucchini noodles is to sautee them on the stovetop. Place your pan on the stovetop on medium heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan, add the zucchini noodles into the pan, and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until the zoodles have just heated through. Season with salt and pepper.

Avoid placing a lid on your pan since it’ll trap the moisture and give you watery zucchini – plus it takes only 1-2 minutes so it cooks quick! Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the zoodles from steaming up and getting watery.

COOKING ZOODLES In the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F. On a large parchment-lined sheet pan, toss the zucchini noodles with some olive oil, salt, and pepper and bake for 10 minutes. Yuo do not want to overcook them. When done, pat dry if needed!

Tips on Making The Perfect Zoodles

Avoid overcrowding your pan to keep the zoodles from getting watery and soggy.
Do not overcook the zucchini noodles as they’ll release a lot of water and the noodles won’t have that crisp bite to it anymore.
Season zucchini noodles after cooking on the stove or in the microwave as adding salt to the zoodles before cooking will draw water out and make them watery.
If storing a zucchini from the store, be sure to place it in the fridge but not wrapped in plastic as it can cause it to lose its firmness as it traps moisture, making it harder to work with. They won’t be as fresh and crisp.

How to Pick the best Zucchini

While larger zucchini are easier to work with as it gives your spiralizer a larger item to grip or gives you an easier time to cut, larger zucchini tend to be more watery. We recommend getting a medium sized zucchini to make zoodles with.
Give the zucchini a squeeze at the store – they should be firm and not have any nicks on them.
The more vibrant the color of the zucchini is, the more flavorful they are.
Try to pick the straightest zucchini to make it easier to work with.

4 green zucchinis on a brown cutting board

Frequently asked questions

How to store zucchini noodles?

Zucchini noodles are a great ingredient to make ahead of time as they stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. Be sure to store them in an airtight bag or container with a paper towel. The paper towel helps absorb any excess moisture and keeps them from getting slimy over time.

Can you freeze Zucchini noodles?

We would not recommend freezing zucchini noodles. As zucchinis are mainly made up of water, they will get mushy once it thaws. Frozen zoodles also aren’t as flavorful. As making them doesn’t take too much effort, I would suggest making a fresh batch when needed or meal prep a batch 2-3 days ahead of time. You can eventually freeze them if you prefer to do so and even buy them frozen. When you thaw them place over a paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible.

Do you have to peel a zucchini to make zoodles?

There is no need to peel the zucchini before making them into zoodles. Just make sure to give your zucchini a thorough wash and pat dry before using. The skin of the zucchini is ok to eat.

hand holding a fork grabbing zoodles from a white plate

Recipes using Zucchini Noodles

If you try a recipe and you like it, leave us some feedback in the comment section below, and don’t forget to rate it! We would love it if you shared it with friends and family.

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