Go Back
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed for freshness - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari) - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish When making this dish, I love using fresh vegetables. The zucchinis become a perfect base. They soak up flavors and add a nice crunch. The red bell pepper brings sweetness and color. Snap peas add a crisp bite that brightens the dish. To enhance the taste, I always use garlic and ginger. These two ingredients create a warm and inviting aroma. Soy sauce adds depth. It ties all the flavors together in a savory way. Feel free to adjust the garnishes. I often sprinkle sesame seeds on top for texture. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor. If you want some heat, the red pepper flakes work great. This dish is not only quick to make but also fun to eat! For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry. - Spiralizing the Zucchini Start by washing the zucchinis well. Use a spiralizer to turn them into noodles. Aim for long, thin strands. Place the noodles in a large bowl and set aside. - Prepping Other Vegetables Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. Cut the carrot into matchsticks. Trim the snap peas for freshness. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. These fresh flavors will shine in your dish. - Heating the Oil In a large skillet or wok, pour in the sesame oil. Heat it over medium-high until it shimmers. This step is key for a great stir fry. - Sautéing Aromatics Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir often to release their rich aroma. You want your kitchen to smell great! - Adding Vegetables Toss in the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry these for 3-4 minutes. Keep them moving in the pan until slightly tender, but still crunchy. - Incorporating Zucchini Noodles Gently add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Pour in the soy sauce and optional red pepper flakes. Toss everything well for 2-3 minutes. Make sure the noodles heat through, but don’t get mushy. - Seasoning the Stir Fry Taste your stir fry and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust to your liking for the best flavor. - Garnishing and Serving Remove the stir fry from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. For a fresh finish, add chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy this colorful and quick meal! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. - Preventing Mushy Noodles: To stop zucchini noodles from getting mushy, avoid overcooking them. Cook them just until warm. If you add them too early, they release water and become soft. - How to Achieve the Best Texture: Use medium to high heat when cooking. This helps the noodles stay firm. Stir-frying for just a couple of minutes ensures they remain crunchy and fresh. - Substitutions for Soy Sauce: If you want a different flavor, try coconut aminos or tamari. These options work well for gluten-free diets, giving a similar umami taste. - Balancing Flavors with Acidity: Adding a squeeze of lime or lemon juice brightens your dish. It brings balance to the savory elements and adds a refreshing kick. - Serving Styles: Serve the stir fry in wide, shallow bowls. This allows the colors to pop and makes the dish look appealing. - Adding Color to the Plate: Add bright herbs like cilantro or parsley on top. You can also include colorful veggies like purple cabbage or cherry tomatoes for a visual boost. For a full recipe, check out the Zesty Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry 🥒. It’s a quick meal that will impress! {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your zucchini noodle stir fry. Options like chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. - Chicken: Use bite-sized pieces of chicken breast. Cook them first until golden. Then, add your veggies and noodles. - Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. Sauté it for about 2-3 minutes until pink. Mix in your veggies after. - Tofu: Firm tofu is perfect. Cube it and sauté until crispy. Then, toss it with the noodles and sauce. These proteins can elevate your dish, adding flavor and nutrition. Feel free to switch up the veggies in your stir fry. Seasonal produce can bring new life to this dish. - Bell Peppers: Different colors add visual appeal and taste. - Broccoli: This adds crunch and nutrients. - Mushrooms: They offer a rich, umami flavor. - Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach at the end for a pop of green. Mixing in seasonal produce can keep your meals fresh and exciting. You can easily adjust this recipe for vegan and gluten-free diets. - Vegan: All the ingredients here are plant-based. Just ensure your soy sauce is vegan, too. - Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce. This keeps the same great taste without gluten. These simple swaps ensure everyone can enjoy your zucchini noodle stir fry. For the full recipe, refer to the Zesty Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry. - Refrigeration Tips: Place any leftover stir fry in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. This helps keep the flavors fresh. - Freezing Suggestions: You can freeze the stir fry, but it's best to do this without the zucchini noodles. They can become mushy when thawed. Place the other veggies and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Use within three months for best taste. - How to Maintain Texture and Flavor: When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the noodles soggy. - Duration for Optimal Freshness: Enjoy your stir fry within three days when stored in the fridge. If frozen, eat it within three months. After this time, it may lose flavor and texture. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. To spiralize zucchini, you need a spiralizer. Cut off the ends of the zucchini. Place it in the spiralizer and turn the handle. This will create long noodle shapes. You can also use a julienne peeler if you don’t have a spiralizer. It will give you similar results. Yes, you can prepare the stir fry ahead of time. Cook the veggies and noodles, then store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about two days. Reheat them in a pan before serving. This makes for a quick meal on busy days. Zucchini noodle stir fry pairs well with a variety of proteins. You can add chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra flavor. Serve it with brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. A light salad also complements the dish nicely. Absolutely! This dish is low in calories and high in nutrients. Zucchini is full of vitamins and minerals. Using fresh veggies adds fiber and antioxidants. Plus, you control the ingredients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. To keep zucchini noodles firm, avoid overcooking them. Add them last in the stir fry and cook just until heated. You can also pat the noodles dry before cooking. This helps remove excess moisture. You can experiment with many sauces for stir fry. Try teriyaki sauce for sweetness or hoisin for a richer flavor. Coconut aminos is a great soy sauce alternative. For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chili paste. Each sauce brings its unique taste, so have fun mixing! This blog post covered a delicious zucchini noodle stir fry. We explored key ingredients like fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings. I shared simple step-by-step cooking instructions to bring this dish to life. You learned tips for perfect texture and enhanced flavors, along with variations to suit your taste. Embrace the idea of easy, healthy meals that fit your lifestyle. With these recipes and tips, you can enjoy cooking while staying mindful of nutrition. Go ahead, get creative in the kitchen and make this dish your own!

Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry

Looking for a quick and delicious meal? Try my Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry! This vibrant dish is packed with fresh vegetables and mouthwatering flavors. With easy steps, you can whip up a healthy dinner that impresses. Perfect for busy nights or when you want something lighter, this recipe is versatile and fun to make.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

1 cup snap peas, trimmed for freshness

1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks (julienned)

3 green onions, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)

1 tablespoon sesame oil, for added flavor

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds, for a nutty garnish

Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for a burst of freshness

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prep the Ingredients: Begin by spiralizing the zucchinis into noodle-like strands using a spiralizer. Set these aside in a large bowl. Next, thinly slice the red bell pepper, julienne the carrot into matchsticks, and trim the ends of the snap peas. Finally, mince the garlic and finely grate the ginger to bring out their flavors.

    Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, pour in the sesame oil and heat over medium-high until shimmering.

      Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the hot skillet. Sauté them for about 30 seconds, stirring often until they release their aromatic fragrance.

        Add the Vegetables: Introduce the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry these vibrant vegetables for 3-4 minutes, ensuring you keep them moving around the pan until they become slightly tender but still maintain a satisfying crunch.

          Incorporate Zucchini Noodles: Gently add the spiralized zucchini noodles along with the soy sauce and optional red pepper flakes into the pan. Toss everything together to coat the noodles and vegetables well, continuing to stir for another 2-3 minutes until the zucchini noodles are heated through but still retain their structure and don’t turn mushy.

            Season: Taste the stir-fry, adding salt and pepper as needed to elevate the flavors to your liking.

              Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the stir-fry from the heat. Generously sprinkle with sesame seeds and the chopped green onions. For a colorful finishing touch, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the stir-fried vegetables to shine. A lime wedge can be added to each bowl for a fresh squeeze before eating!