Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini Noodles

$- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest of 1 medium lemon - Juice of 1 medium lemon - ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Use medium zucchinis for the best texture. Each zucchini should give you about one cup of noodles. The olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the garlic without burning it. Fresh garlic gives a bright taste. You can adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice level. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. You can also swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast for a vegan touch. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for extra flavor. Consider throwing in cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by spiralizing four medium zucchinis into noodles. You can use a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. Once you have your noodles, set them aside. Make sure they are a bit dry. Too much moisture can make the dish watery. Next, grab a large skillet. Pour in three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers. Add four minced garlic cloves and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir often for one to two minutes. You want the garlic to smell good and turn lightly golden. Watch it closely! Burned garlic can taste bitter. Now it’s time for the zucchini noodles. Turn the heat to medium-high and add the noodles to the skillet. Sauté them for about three to four minutes. Toss them often. You want them to be tender but still have a little crunch, like al dente pasta. Once they’re cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Add the zest and juice of one lemon. Stir gently to mix the flavors. You can also add a quarter cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese if you like. It adds a nice creamy touch. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, serve hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. Enjoy! To make perfect zucchini noodles, choose firm zucchinis. Look for ones that are medium-sized. Use a spiralizer for best results. If you don’t have one, a julienne peeler works too. Just keep the zucchini steady while you twist. This ensures even noodles. Aim for thin, long strands that resemble pasta. Zucchini has a lot of water. If you don’t dry your noodles, the dish may become soggy. After spiralizing, let them sit in a colander for a few minutes. You can sprinkle a bit of salt on them to draw out more moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This simple step keeps your noodles crisp and delicious. For spice lovers, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and taste as you go. If you prefer milder flavors, use less. You can also skip the flakes entirely if you want a gentle taste. Remember, you can always add spice, but you can’t take it away. Adjust to suit your taste buds! Pro Tips Dry Zucchini Noodles: Make sure to pat the spiralized zucchini noodles dry with a paper towel to reduce excess moisture, which can make the dish watery. Control the Heat: Keep the heat at medium-high while sautéing the noodles to ensure they cook evenly without becoming mushy. Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice. It makes a noticeable difference in taste. Garnish with Purpose: Fresh basil not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Don't skip this step! {{image_4}} You can easily add proteins to your Lemon Garlic Zucchini Noodles. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well. Cook the protein first, then add it to the noodles at the end. This method keeps the protein juicy and flavorful. If you want to keep it simple, grilled chicken pairs nicely with the lemon and garlic. To make this dish vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of coconut milk. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying without any dairy. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can also add a nice touch. You can boost the flavor with herbs and spices. Fresh basil is great, but try adding thyme or oregano for a different taste. If you like heat, consider more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. A squeeze of lime juice can also add a fresh twist. Each variation makes the dish unique and fun to explore. To keep your leftover lemon garlic zucchini noodles fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the noodles to room temperature before sealing. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep their flavor and texture. Reheat the zucchini noodles in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. This warms them through while keeping their crunch. You can also use the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. Freezing zucchini noodles is possible but may change their texture. If you want to freeze them, blanch the noodles first. Boil them for just 1-2 minutes, then plunge them in ice water. Drain and pat dry before placing them in a freezer bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or microwave for a few minutes. Yes, you can use pre-packaged zucchini noodles. They save time and effort. Just check the package for freshness. If they feel wet, pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This helps keep your dish light and crisp. To keep zucchini noodles from getting soggy, use these tips: - Spiralize and dry: After spiralizing, let the noodles sit. This helps remove excess water. - Cook quickly: Sauté the noodles on high heat. This method helps them stay firm. - Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Too many noodles at once can trap steam. Absolutely! This dish is naturally gluten-free. The zucchini noodles replace traditional pasta. Just check any added ingredients, like Parmesan cheese, to make sure they fit your dietary needs. Enjoy this light, tasty meal without gluten worries! Zucchini noodles offer a fresh twist to your meals. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step prep, and handy tips. You can customize your dish with proteins and spices. Storing leftovers is simple, and reheating is easy. By knowing the answers to common questions, you can make the best dish. Enjoy making zucchini noodles your way for tasty, healthy meals.$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini Noodles

A fresh and flavorful dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a zesty lemon garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 medium lemon, zest
1 medium lemon, juice
0.25 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Start by spiralizing the zucchinis into noodle shapes using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. Once done, set the zucchini noodles aside, ensuring they're slightly dry to avoid excess moisture.
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to let it burn.
Increase the heat to medium-high and gently introduce the spiralized zucchini noodles into the skillet. Sauté the noodles for about 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently until they are tender yet retain a slight crunch.
Remove the skillet from the burner and immediately add the lemon zest and juice, stirring gently to ensure the flavors integrate well.
Optional: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles, stirring until it melts and evenly coats the noodles. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve the zesty zucchini noodles hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes.

Keyword garlic, lemon, vegetarian, zucchini noodles