Shrimp Zoodles Recipe in 30 Minutes! (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook zoodles so they're not soggy? ›

If you cook noodles too long in the skillet and they're already looking limp and soggy, they're going to be even soggier topped with sauce on your plate. To avoid soggy and limp noodles, I recommend cooking for only 3-5 minutes (5 if you're cooking more than 1-2 spiralized zucchinis) and tossing frequently.

How to Sauté Zucchini Noodles. Heat a couple tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium high heat, then sauté some chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes until tender and fragrant. Add the zucchini noodles and a pinch of salt, then continue to cook until tender and softened, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add zucchini noodles. Toss with tongs and let the zucchini cook for just a minute or two. Remove from heat and add to sauce or add some salt and eat as is. Note: Don't salt the zucchini before you saute it; the noodles will release more water and they'll end up limp.

Salt and wrap your zoodles.

Post-spiralizing the zucchini, lightly salt your zoods with kosher salt and wrap them in paper towels. Let them sit for about 10–15 minutes — just enough time for the salt to extract the moisture.

Don't overcrowd the pan, which can cause the zucchini to steam instead of roast. Unless you have time to salt and drain the zucchini, wait to salt it until after they're cooked so the salt doesn't draw out the moisture in the oven—this can lead to sogginess.

If you're already cooking on the stovetop, sautéing your noodles may be the easiest. Just add one tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil to a pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes. This is a perfect cooking method if you're making zucchini pasta with lemon garlic shrimp – or something similar.

How to Prevent Soggy Sauteed Zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove some of the seeds. The seeds are practically all water, so removing some of the seeds helps prevent excess moisture. Cut the zucchini at least 1/2-inch thick (see image).

Zucchini noodles do not need to be 'cooked'. Instead, try warming them up by tossing them in whatever sauce you'll be serving them with.

Plus, making your own zucchini noodles is cheaper than buying them at the store, and it's fun to transform a vegetable into your favorite pasta shapes.

3Toss the noodles with pasta tongs and cook until al dente — they should be wilted but still have a crunch; 5 to 7 minutes. Do not let the noodles cook any longer, or else they will become mushy. As they cook, keep tossing so that all the zucchini noodles have a chance to hit the bottom of the skillet.

What are 3 advantages of having zucchini noodles over regular pasta? ›

Zucchini is low in fat, sugar, and calories, and high in vitamin C and fiber, making it a great substitute for traditional pasta noodles. Fiber helps to regulate bowels and maintain good digestive health, and vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to protect cells.

The salt draws the moisture from the flesh which helps ensure that the vegetable stays firm during roasting. This moisture (and excess salt) is patted off with a paper towel before cooking. Added benefit: the salt works its way into the scores of the flesh and seasons the zucchini all the way to the center.

Salt causes zucchini rounds to release excess water. This important extra step helps the zucchini to sauté rather than stew in its own juices. I found quarter-inch slices the perfect thickness. Thinner slices fall apart during cooking; thicker slices require a longer salting time.

Salting and draining ensures the zucchini doesn't turn into a soggy mess while frying. This method also works for roasted zucchini, grilled zucchini, or baked zucchini if you're looking to remove as much water as possible.