I’ve worked with two types of spiralizers – countertop spiralizers and the KitchenAid Spiralizer Attachment. Of the countertop spiralizers I’ve owned, the Inspiralizer (pictured above) has been my favorite. It clamps to the counter, so it doesn’t move around while you work. It’s also easy to clean and relatively small, so it’s easy to store.
I use them in salads and soups. Although making them at home can seem daunting, it’s actually quite simple if you have the right equipment (spoiler alert: a spiralizer isn’t always required!). In addition, creating your own zucchini noodles is less expensive than purchasing them from the store, and it’s enjoyable to shape a vegetable into the pasta shapes of your choice. So grab a bunch of zucchini, and let’s get started!.
noodles made from zucchini in all shapes In this post, I’ll demonstrate how to use a range of kitchen tools to create different kinds of noodles. Below, I’ve listed my top 5 zucchini noodle varieties along with their advantages.
After preparing the zoodles, you will probably have some leftover scraps. Extra zucchini scraps can be blended into hummus, smoothies, creamy zucchini soup, or the “ricotta” filling for lasagna. Don’t throw them away! Chop it up and add it to a frittata or try making zucchini pesto (The Love ; page 275).
Julienned noodles are thinner and straighter than spiralized noodles, but they taste just the same! I love this option because julienne peelers are tiny, so they’ll fit in any drawer. They’re also cheap! I tested out three types so that I could recommend the best one for you (this one, this one, and this one). They all worked perfectly, so my choice is this OXO Good Grips one because it’s just $7.
How to Make Zucchini Noodles
There are a few simple ways to make zucchini noodles, depending on your preferences and the tools you have available:
You must first prepare your squash in order to transform it into a lovely vegetable noodle.
To get rid of any dirt or debris, rinse it under cool water and scrub it with a vegetable brush.
Squash’s stem and blossom ends should be cut off.
There are several methods for making spiralized zucchini noodles, both with and without a spiralizer.
If you possess a spiralizer, you are prepared to create zoodles in a simple and reliable manner.
First, insert your blade of choice into the countertop spiralizer. Suction it to the countertop to keep it steady.
Insert the sharp circular blade into the very center of one of the zucchini’s cut ends. Make sure it is properly centered for the longest zoodles.
Attach the zucchini’s other end to the pointed plastic handle by skewering it. Make sure it is securely attached to prevent it from slipping when spiralizing.
With your left hand, hold the pressure handle facing you, and with your right hand, hold the spinning handle. This will give you the best control.
Watch as the zucchini noodles appear by spinning the handle and pushing forward against the blade. Repeat until you have your desired amount of zoodles.
Making noodles with a vegetable spiralizer is unquestionably the greatest and simplest method.
And not just any spiralizer.
In fact, the following are the essential characteristics to consider when buying the best spiralizer:
- Countertop: This type is SO much quicker and easier to use than the hand spiralizer, but it does take up a lot more cabinet space.
- Suction cup: This incredible little device, which allows some tabletop spiralizers to attach themselves to your countertop, is included with some of the spiralizers. Although it seems a little pointless, it is 100% worthwhile. If you’ve ever spiralized food, you know that every time you turn, the kitchen tool starts to hop around your counter. That is, if it isn’t attached to the counter by a suction cup.
- Handle: You should make sure it has a handle that protrudes in your direction in addition to the suction cup. This will make it easier for you to apply a little pressure and move the spinning zucchini into the blade.
- Different Blades: It’s nice to have options for varying zucchini noodle sizes, even though you’ll probably use one of the blades more frequently than the others. (i. e. spaghetti, linguine, or pappardelle. ).
Here are a few of the best spiralizers:
- OXO Good Grips: This is what’s pictured here and a great deal for the money.
- Best if you already own a KitchenAid stand mixer and money is not an issue.
- Briefton’s: Compared to other spiralizers, this one is substantially heavier and more durable and comes with ten distinct blades.
Another fantastic use for spiralizers is to create noodles from an enormous variety of vegetables. With this kitchen tool, you can spiralize SO many different vegetables, including sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and summer squash.
Making those adorable and curly zucchini noodles with a handheld spiralizer is a great idea, but it does require a little more time than using a countertop model.
Hold the handheld spiralizer in your non-dominant hand. Using your other hand, slide the zucchini into the gap.
Twist until almost all of the zucchini is used. Completely twist the remaining zucchini after inserting the food holder into the exposed end.
Although the two spiralizer options mentioned above yield long, curly zucchini noodles, a mandoline produces shorter, more straight noodles.
When using this extremely sharp kitchen tool, you also need to be very careful not to cut your finger.
Place your blade of choice on the mandoline. Adjust to your desired thickness, about ⅛-inch is ideal.
Slice the zucchini. Move zucchini over the blade to create strands. Use the slicing guard as you near the finish to avoid cutting your fingers and to get as much zucchini as possible.
With this kitchen tool, you need to use caution because it is very sharp.
Hold the zucchini in your non-dominant hand. If handling it is uncomfortable, you can also cut one side flat and set it on a cutting board.
Place the peeler at one end of the zucchini. Make sure the julienne side is facing towards the skin.
Create strands of zucchini. Pull apart from one end to the other.
The hardest and longest method to use, but if you’re short on time, it can be accomplished.
Cut the zucchini into ⅛-inch thin strips length-wise. Use a sharp knife to be the most precise.
Slice into ⅛-inch thick strands. Stack a couple slices to cut at the same time.
What are Zucchini Noodles?
Cut into the shape of pasta, zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” are spirals of zucchini squash.
Occasionally as linguine, thicker spaghetti noodles, or even as thin sheets like pappardelle pasta
When you cook them in a skillet, microwave, or oven, they become incredibly soft and tender. Additionally, they mimic the texture and shape of regular pasta pretty well.
Without the carbs, gluten, and grains, of course!
(If you like veggie noodles, try these Butternut Squash Noodles and Sweet Potato Noodles!)
