How to make Zucchini Noodles
- Spiralize the zucchini: Using a handheld or countertop zoodler, or the attachment on your food processor if you have one, is a great way to make zucchini noodles at home with very little work! Because it adds extra fiber and color to the zucchini, I prefer to leave the skin on.
- To make the sauce for the zucchini noodles, fill a large saucepan with oil. Add in onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Next, add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a light simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Cook the zucchini noodles in the sauce for two to three minutes, or until they become soft.
- Serve: Stir in basil and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
- While I do like my zucchini pasta just the way it is, you can make them even more delicious by adding your preferred protein. Ground turkey, sausage, chicken, or beef are all excellent options. I also love adding homemade meatballs to this!.
- To add even more vegetables to the sauce, try sautéing some finely chopped celery or carrot!
- Add a vegan touch by finishing with a grating of plant-based parmesan cheese over the zucchini pasta.
5. How to Bake Zucchini Noodles
I use this method the least because it takes the longest and requires the most work: baking zucchini noodles. I had anticipated the noodles to be crispier and more spaghetti-like, but there is really not much of a difference. I much prefer any of the other ways, even though they require more time and effort.
However, set your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit if you wish to try it. Spoon your noodles onto a paper towel-lined baking sheet in an even layer. Then, sprinkle with sea salt. While the paper towel absorbs the moisture, the sea salt aids in drawing it out. And no, at this low temperature, the paper towel won’t catch fire. After cooking for ten to fifteen minutes, take the noodles out of the oven and gently squeeze them in the paper towel to remove any leftover water.
3. How to Sauté Zucchini Noodles
Sautéing your noodles might be the simplest method if you’re already cooking on the stovetop. Simply place one tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a pan and sauté for one to two minutes. If you’re cooking zucchini pasta with lemon garlic shrimp or something similar, this is the ideal cooking technique. However, I find that I would rather not have the extra oil on the noodles if I were adding a bolognese or other sauce.
