Have you ever wished you could enjoy a big, delicious bowl of pasta without feeling guilty afterward? If so, you’re not alone! That’s where zoodles come in. But what exactly are zoodles, and why are they becoming so popular among health-conscious eaters?
Zoodles, short for zucchini noodles, are simply zucchini that’s been spiralized into thin, noodle-like strands. I do substitute them perfectly for traditional pasta, especially if I’m looking to cut down on carbs, calories, or gluten. Zoodles offer the same satisfying experience as pasta, but with a fraction of the calories. Imagine enjoying a full plate of “pasta” with the knowledge that you’re nourishing your body with something healthy and wholesome—doesn’t that sound amazing?
One of the biggest reasons people love zoodles is because they’re incredibly low in calories. A cup of traditional pasta can easily have over 200 calories, but a cup of zoodles? Just around 20 calories! That’s a huge difference, right? Plus, zoodles are low-carb and naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent option for those on specific diets like keto, paleo, or gluten-free.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Zoodles are packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. So not only are you cutting down on calories and carbs, but you’re also giving your body the good stuff it needs to thrive.
Can you see why zoodles are becoming a go-to choice for so many people trying to eat healthier? They let me enjoy your favorite pasta dishes without the extra calories and carbs that can derail your weight loss goals. Have you tried zoodles before? If not, what dish would you love to try them in? Let us know in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Are Zoodles Healthy For Weight Loss?
Heck Yes! Consuming zucchini on a regular basis could aid with weight loss. Because of its low calorie density and high water content, this fruit may help you feel full (33 Trusted Source). Additionally, its high fiber content may suppress appetite and lessen hunger (34 Trusted Source).Consuming zucchini on a regular basis could aid with weight loss. This fruit may make you feel fuller because it is high in water content and low in calories (33Trusted Source). Additionally, its high fiber content may help you avoid becoming hungry (34Trusted Source).
Furthermore, a high consumption of fruits and vegetables is regularly associated with weight loss and a slower rate of weight gain over time, according to research (35, 36). Furthermore, eating non-starchy, dark green or yellow veggies seems to be very helpful for weight loss since they have nutrient profiles comparable to zucchini (37, 38). Furthermore, a high consumption of fruits and vegetables is regularly associated with weight loss and a slower rate of weight gain over time, according to research (35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source). Furthermore, eating non-starchy, dark green or yellow veggies seems to be very helpful for weight loss because they have nutrition profiles similar to zucchini (37Trusted Source, 38Trusted Source).
What are zucchini noodles made of?
Raw zucchini is spiralized or chopped into long, thin strips to make zucchini noodles, which are then similar to other types of noodles or spaghetti. Over the past ten years, spiralized vegetables have become more and more popular as alternative diets that do not use grain-based pastas have gained traction.
Zucchini is widely considered to have been the most popular option due to its ease of spiralizing, affordability, and neutral taste.
How to cook zoodles Zoodles at Home
Making zoodles at home is easier than you might think, I make zoodles myself easily at home and it’s a fun way to bring a healthy twist to your favorite pasta dishes. Ready to give it a try? Let’s walk through the steps together!
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Zoodles:
- Choose the Right Zucchini:
Start by picking fresh, firm zucchinis. Look for ones that are medium-sized, with smooth skin. Did you know that smaller zucchinis tend to be sweeter, while larger ones have more seeds? Which do you prefer?
- Prepare Your Tools:
- The most popular tool for making zoodles is a spiralizer. If you have one, great! But don’t worry if you don’t. You can also use a julienne peeler, a mandoline slicer, or even a regular vegetable peeler for thicker “ribbon” noodles. What tools do you have at home?
- Spiralize the Zucchini:
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly, then trim off the ends. Secure the zucchini in your spiralizer and start turning the handle. You’ll see long, curly noodles start to form. If you’re using a julienne peeler or mandoline, simply run the peeler down the length of the zucchini to create your noodles. Isn’t it satisfying to watch the zoodles come together?
- Choose Your Noodle Length:
- Depending on how long or short you like your noodles, you can either leave them as they are or give them a quick chop with a knife. What’s your ideal zoodle length—long and slurpable, or bite-sized and manageable?
- Cook or Keep Them Raw:
- You can enjoy your zoodles raw for a crisp, fresh texture, or give them a quick sauté in a hot pan with a little olive oil for about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them—they should be tender but still have a bit of bite, like al dente pasta. How do you like your zoodles—cooked or raw?
Tips for the Perfect Zoodle Texture:
- Avoid Sogginess: If you’re cooking your zoodles, make sure your pan is hot before adding them. This helps prevent them from getting soggy.
- Salt After Cooking: Salting zucchini before cooking can draw out water and make them mushy. Instead, add salt after cooking to maintain that perfect texture.
- Pat Dry: If your zoodles seem too watery, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to your dish.
How to make Zucchini Noodles without a spiralizer
It’s actually rather easy. Although spiralizers are simple to operate, a lot of kitchen storage space is required for them. Investing in a spiralizer is definitely worthwhile if you have the necessary space and intend to produce zoodles frequently. However, there are alternatives for the remainder of us who have little kitchens:
- Use a Handheld Spiralizer
A handheld spiralizer is a convenient tool for making zoodles, similar to using a giant pencil sharpener. While it requires some force, it’s easy to use once you get the hang of it. This type of spiralizer is compact and can be stored in a drawer. The Kuhn Rikon model costs around $17-20, but there are more affordable options, such as the Veggetti ($8) and Oxo Grips ($15), all of which have good reviews.
- Potato peeler or julienne peeler
How do you make zucchini noodles with a potato peeler?:
If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a potato peeler to make zoodles by peeling zucchini into ribbons and then slicing them into thin strips. However, this method may result in thinner, more watery zoodles. A julienne peeler can also be used, though it may produce similarly thin zoodles.
3. Mandoline
How to make Zoodles with a mandoline:
I prefer using a mandoline with a julienne blade to make zoodles, as it allows for customizable thickness, which helps the noodles retain their shape when cooked. They don’t own a spiralizer due to space limitations but believe it would also be an excellent tool. I highlighted two methods for making zoodles with a mandoline: pushing the zucchini lengthwise for straight strips or twisting it like sharpening a pencil for curly noodles. They emphasize the importance of safety, noting that some mandolines come with protective gloves.
4. Use a Box cheese grater
As a last resort, a box grater can even be used to make zoodles. Grate it lengthwise, aiming for the longest possible strands. These so-called “noodles” will be extremely thin and absorb a large amount of water. Before sautéing, I would try to squeeze out some of the water using a paper towel. Grated zoodles are almost never al dente, so this is not my preferred way.
Can Zoodles Be Frozen?
Have you ever considered freezing zoodles? Zoodles CAN be frozen, yes!
I love zoodles year-round and have an abundance of zucchini available during the season. I decided to freeze them after receiving negative responses online. I discovered that zoodles can be frozen beautifully, and I could enjoy them without any issues. This discovery was made due to the abundance of zucchini available during the season.
I just prepared my zoodles, sealed them in a Ziploc bag, and frozen them. After about a week, I took them out and let them thaw. Even though they were drier than when I had added them, they were still solid and zoodle-like. Draining off any excess water was easy.I just prepared my zoodles, sealed them in a Ziploc bag, and frozen them. After about a week, I took them out and let them thaw. Even though they were drier than when I had added them, they were still solid and zoodle-like. Draining off any excess water was easy.
They turned out great after I simmered them gently for a little while, as I typically do before using them with my homemade spaghetti sauce.
