How to Cook Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini spirals are incredibly versatile, but it can be helpful to know where to start! Next time you’re at the store picking up Cece’s Veggie Co. Noodled Zucchini, use this guide for delicious and nutritious recipe options that you can have on the table in a flash. Cece’s zucchini spirals are prepped and ready to use- we’re doing the hard work for you, so all you need is a little creativity!
We recommend four main ways to cook our zucchini noodles:
- Fresh out of the pack
- Sautéed on the stove
- Baked in the oven
- Microwaved for a quick fix
How to Use Fresh Raw Zucchini Spirals
Cece’s Veggie Co. Organic Noodled Zucchini can go straight from the package to a serving bowl! Use them basis for a salad with your favorite dressing and any topping that sounds good. Nuts, fresh herbs, and citrus are a great place to start!
Cooking tip: Try tossing them with oil, lemon, salt, red pepper flakes and chopped fresh basil for a super quick and flavorful dish.
How to Sauté Zucchini Noodles
This is the best way to cook zucchini noodles for most recipes – as long as you remember that less is more. They only need to cook for 2-4 minutes to be warmed through and slightly softened – you don’t want them to be get soggy or you’ll miss out on the optimal noodle experience.
Cooking tips: Begin by adding a tsp of olive oil (avocado oil will work too) to the pan on medium to low heat. Add the raw zucchini noodles and keep an eye on them while they sauté. Add your favorite spices- even basic salt and pepper will be tasty! No more than 4 minutes later, they are ready to add to any recipe you desire. If you’re cooking other veggies and/or adding a sauce, make sure to add the zucchini last since it has the quickest cook time.
How to Bake Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles are a tasty asset to baked recipes! Don’t roast them like you would other veggies though, since zucchini has a high water content. They can burn easily if you just spread them out on the pan on their own. Instead, try incorporating them into a sheet pan recipe or arranging them into an egg nest.
Cooking tips: Make sure to spray your pan with non-stick avocado or olive spray prior to baking! Then, don’t stray too far from the oven. Zucchini noodles cook very quickly and will burn if you’re not careful! Baked recipes that are saucy, like a zucchini shakshuka, will help alleviate this risk.
How to Microwave Zucchini Noodles
If you’re in a serious rush, our spiralized noodles can be microwaved! The microwave won’t deliver maximum noodly goodness as the above methods would, but its still possible to create a tasty dish with microwaved zucchini noodles. Don’t overdo it- zapping them for 2 minutes or less should do the trick!
Cooking tips: Place the zucchini noodles in a microwave safe dish and add a sauce that you already have prepared. We recommend trying them with red sauce or pesto! If the sauce is cold from the fridge, warm it up first so you don’t overcook your zoodles in order to get your sauce hot enough.
How to Boil Zucchini Noodles
Don’t do it! Fresh zucchini noodles don’t have the starch you’d find in grain-based noodles, so they can’t handle the high heat and will disintegrate. Boiling zucchini noodles is a one-way trip to soggy sadness. Sautéing your zucchini spirals is actually much faster than boiling a pot of water anyway – your taste buds will thank you!
