About the Recipe
Light, fresh, and incredibly easy to make, stir-fried zucchini noodles are the perfect way to enjoy all the comfort of pasta with a healthier twist. Also known as zoodles, these spiralized zucchini cook quickly, soaking up the flavors of garlic, olive oil, and savory seasonings while keeping a tender-crisp bite. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb side dish or a simple main you can customize with your favorite proteins and sauces, this quick stir-fry delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 shallot , sliced thinly
- 4 small zucchini, spiralized
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 1 shredded carrot
- 1 shredded pepper
Preparation
- Spiralize the zucchini and place it on a paper towel–lined plate. Lightly pat dry to remove excess moisture; this helps prevent soggy noodles.
- Shred the carrot and pepper.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced shallot and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, just until aromatic.
- Stir in the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just until tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to keep the noodles from releasing too much water.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately as a light main dish or a flavorful side.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the zucchini noodles to prevent them from becoming watery; a quick, high-heat stir-fry keeps them tender-crisp.
- If your zucchini release excess moisture, drain briefly or pat dry before serving.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of gluten-free tamari, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes at the end.
- Zoodles pair well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as zucchini noodles continue to soften as they sit.