How to Make Keto Zucchini Noodles: A Healthy Alternative to Pasta
If you’re on the keto diet, you know how difficult it can be to find low-carb alternatives to your favorite comfort foods.
One of the dishes we miss the most is pasta, but luckily, there’s a delicious and healthy alternative that fits perfectly into the keto lifestyle – zucchini noodles or “zoddles.”
This light, fresh pasta is easy to prepare, versatile, and pairs well with a variety of sauces and toppings.
We’ll show you how to make keto zucchini pasta, so you can enjoy a guilt-free pasta experience.
Why choose zucchini pasta?
Zucchini noodles are a great alternative to pasta for several reasons:
Low-Carb: With only about 3 grams of net carbs per cup, zucchini noodles are a great option for those on a keto or low-carb diet.Rich in nutrients: Zucchini is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it a nutritious choice. Low in calories: Zucchini noodles are incredibly low in calories, making them ideal for those looking to maintain or lose weight.Gluten Free: Pasta is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or allergy.
Tools you will need
To make zucchini pasta at home, you will need the following tools:
Spiralizer: The spiralizer is the most common tool for making zucchini noodles. It is easy to use and produces long, curly noodles that are very similar to traditional pasta.
Julienne Peeler: If you don’t have a spiral peeler, a julienne peeler can also do the job, resulting in thin, straight pasta.
Mandoline: A mandoline slicer with a julienne blade attachment is another option for making uniform-sized zucchini noodles.
Sharp knife: If necessary, you can use a sharp knife to cut the zucchini into thin slices, although this method requires more time and precision.
How to make zucchini pasta
Now that you have your tools ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making zucchini pasta.
Step 1: Choose your zucchini
Start by choosing fresh, firm zucchini. Medium-sized zucchini are best for making pasta.
Avoid large zucchini, as they may be watery and contain larger seeds, which can affect the texture of the pasta.
Step 2: Wash and trim
Wash the zucchini well under cold water and dry it with a clean towel, then cut off the ends of the zucchini.
Step 3: Prepare the pasta
Depending on the tool you are using, follow these instructions:
Spiralizer: Attach the zucchini to the spiralizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn the handle to form long spiral pasta. Depending on your spiralizer, you can choose different thicknesses for the pasta.
Julienne Peeler: Hold the zucchini firmly and use a julienne peeler to make long, thin strips. Rotate the zucchini as you peel to create strips of pasta on all sides.
Mandoline: Set the mandoline to julienne mode and carefully slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin noodles.
Knife: Cut the zucchini lengthwise into thin slices, then stack the slices and cut them into thin slices.
Step 4: Remove excess moisture.
Zucchini contains a high percentage of water, which can make the pasta mushy if not handled properly.
To avoid this, sprinkle a little salt on the pasta and leave it in a colander for 10 to 15 minutes. The salt will absorb the excess moisture.
Next, gently press the pasta with a paper towel to remove any remaining water.
Cooking zucchini pasta
There are several ways to cook zucchini pasta, depending on the texture you prefer:
Frying: Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and stir for 2-3 minutes, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as they may become mushy.
Boiling: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes, until al dente. Drain immediately and serve.
Microwave: Place the zucchini noodles in a microwave-safe dish and cook on high for 1-2 minutes. This method is quick and easy but may result in softer noodles.
Submission suggestions
Zucchini pasta is so versatile that it can be served with a wide variety of sauces and toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Classic Marinara Sauce: Toss pasta with a rich, low-carb marinara sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Pesto: Mix pasta with basil pesto for a fresh and delicious dish.
Alfredo: Make a creamy keto Alfredo sauce using heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan, then pour it over the zucchini noodles.
Stir-fry: Add pasta to a stir-fry with low-carb vegetables and your favorite protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Tips for making the perfect zucchini pasta
Don’t overcook: Zucchini pasta cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. It should be tender but still have a mild flavor. Add the sauce last: To prevent the pasta from becoming too watery, cook it separately and add the sauce just before serving. Use fresh zucchini: Fresh zucchini will give you the best texture and flavor. Avoid using zucchini that has been in the fridge for too long, as it can become mushy and watery.
My opinion on how to make zucchini noodles?
Zucchini pasta is a great, healthy alternative to traditional pasta, and is perfect for anyone on a keto or low-carb diet.
They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and incredibly versatile.
Whether you’re craving a classic Italian dish or something more adventurous, pasta can be the base for a variety of delicious meals.
So, grab your spiralizer, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the endless possibilities of zucchini pasta!
