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
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.
2. With a Julienne Peeler
The great thing about a julienne peeler is that you likely already have one in your kitchen. Win! A julienne peeler frequently does double duty with a vegetable peeler. One side juliennes, the other side slices. And that’s perfect for when you want thick, flat slices of zucchini pasta. The single biggest benefit of a julienne peeler is that it’s small. It takes up virtually no space in your kitchen and will most likely reside in your utensil drawer.
Regarding the zucchini noodles themselves, the thinnest, most delicate noodles are sliced using a julienne peeler. Then, you simply pull the strands apart with your fingers. The reason this tool makes #2 on my list is that it takes longer to slice (you rotate the zucchini, creating a rectangular shape), it leaves the largest core and the potential of nicking a finger is high (yep, I’m clumsy).
PROS: cheap and easy to store.
CONS: leaves a fairly large core and requires more time to slice.
