About the Recipe
Light, fresh, and incredibly easy to make, stir-fried zucchini noodles are the perfect way to enjoy all the comfort of pasta with a healthier twist. Also known as zoodles, these spiralized zucchini cook quickly, soaking up the flavors of garlic, olive oil, and savory seasonings while keeping a tender-crisp bite. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb side dish or a simple main you can customize with your favorite proteins and sauces, this quick stir-fry delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 shallot , sliced thinly
4 small zucchini, spiralized
1 tablespoon gluten-free soy sauce
2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
1 shredded carrot
1 shredded pepper
Preparation
Spiralize the zucchini and place it on a paper towel–lined plate. Lightly pat dry to remove excess moisture; this helps prevent soggy noodles.
Shred the carrot and pepper.
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced shallot and cook for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds, just until aromatic.
Stir in the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and brown sugar. Cook for about 30 seconds, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to slightly thicken.
Add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the sauce and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just until tender-crisp. Avoid overcooking to keep the noodles from releasing too much water.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately as a light main dish or a flavorful side.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the zucchini noodles to prevent them from becoming watery; a quick, high-heat stir-fry keeps them tender-crisp.
If your zucchini release excess moisture, drain briefly or pat dry before serving.
For extra flavor, add a splash of gluten-free tamari, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes at the end.
Zoodles pair well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
Serve immediately for the best texture, as zucchini noodles continue to soften as they sit.
