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.
1. With a Spiralizer
The Paderno World Cuisine Spiralizer is far and away my favorite tool. It creates curls of your favorite vegetables, literally in seconds. It’s the fastest tool of the bunch and requires the least amount of strength or effort (with suction cup feet to keep it in place). You simply cut off the ends of a zucchini, place it next to the blade and spin. In less than 8 seconds you’ll have spiral sliced the entire zucchini.
Although I am aware that these reviews are for zucchini noodles, consider slicing up other veggies as well. Carrots, sweet potato, apples, pears…the list is endless!.
With this spiralizer’s simple blade replacement system, you can make your favorite carrot pasta, curly sweet potato fries, or apple chips. Yes, it’s bigger than some of the other options, but considering how I often I use it the pros far outweigh the cons – so it’s still my #1 favorite.
PROS: Lightweight, strong, quick, affordable, durable, and provides a variety of blades and slicing options
CONS: will require more storage space than other options.
5. With A Handheld Spiralizer
The handheld spiralizer is the newest kid on the block and the solution for curly noodles in a small contraption. It produces zucchini noodles most similar to the Paderno Spiralizer, though they tend to be flatter and not as consistently sized. I was really hoping to love this little device, but with all the other options on the market, I had to rank it last.
It can be difficult to keep the zucchini slicing straight when spiralizing multiple zucchini, and the twisting can cause sore wrists. Additionally, since spiralizing other veggies (like carrots and sweet potatoes) calls for more strength and effort, this tool will be the hardest to use. Although it’s inexpensive, sometimes you get what you pay for.
PROS: cheap and takes up little space.
CONS: uneven noodles, needs wrist and arm strength, and isn’t as adaptable as the other options
