An easy step-by-step tutorial on how to spiralize zucchini to make zucchini noodles, how to avoid watery zoodles, and how to use them in any recipe calling for pasta!

I use zucchini noodles all the time so I'm excited to finally share a step-by-step tutorial!

If you're new to zucchini noodles, they are simply zucchini that have been cut into a noodle shape and used in place of pasta. Many people refer to them as "zoodles".

Like spaghetti squash, they're a perfect noodle replacement if you follow a low-carb, keto diet or are grain and gluten-free.

Jump to:

• Tools used to make zucchini noodles
• How to spiralize zucchini
• To make zoodles
• How to make zucchini lasagna noodles
• 💭 Top tips
• Looking for recipes to use with your zoodles?
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Tools used to make zucchini noodles

There are 3 tools to make zucchini noodles or zoodles:

• Spiralizer. This is my favorite! Spiralizers can create long, thick, beautiful noodle strands. They're also fast and easy to use. This is the spiralizer I recommend: OXO Spiralizer. It's very similar to one I have but friends have told me the suction cups on the bottom actually stay put! I can't tell you how frustrating it is when the suction cups come up and the spiralizer moves around! Or you can buy a hand-held spiralizer. It requires a little more work and the strands aren't as thick, but it works!
• Julienne Peeler. A julienne peeler definitely requires more work and the noodles come out shorter and thinner, but it's a good option if you don't have a spiralizer.
• A knife. A knife works well when making zucchini lasagna noodles. While you could use a knife to make spaghetti strands, I don't recommend it. It's time-consuming and really hard to get the noodles in the right shape and size.

How to spiralize zucchini

I'm going to show you how to make zucchini noodles using a countertop spiralizer. However, the same method applies whether you use a countertop spiralizer, hand-held spiralizer, julienne peeler, or knife.

When picking out zucchini, pick out medium-sized ones that are as straight as possible.

If your veggies are extremely curved, the blade can't make the entire circle and it won't make beautiful long noodles.

Then, cut off the ends and cut them in half.

While you could peel the zucchini for prettier noodles, I've found that I prefer to leave the skin on. The skin makes them more sturdy and releases less water.

If using a countertop spiralizer, you'll have 3 blade options. From top to bottom they are:

1. Spaghetti Noodles with ⅛th-inch spacing
2. Fettuccini Noodles with ¼-inch spacing
3. Ribbon Noodles with a flat edge

Slide the blade you want into the spiralizer. For this tutorial, I'm using the Fettuccini Noodles blade with ¼-inch spacing.

Place the zucchini into the prongs and line it up with the de-seeing hole on the other side, making it as centered as possible. The bottom of the spiralizer has nifty suction cups - don't forget to use them so it doesn't slide around!

Place a paper-towel-lined baking sheet under the spiralizer. Then turn the crank until you reach the end and have beautiful long noodles. It may sound hard, but it's actually very smooth and effortless.

After you make the noodles some of them will be extremely long, so you can cut them with scissors.

To make zoodles

Zucchini noodles hold a lot of moisture. If you pan fry them or use them right away in a recipe, they will turn into a watery soup!

To get rid of the excess moisture, sprinkle with sea salt and place in a 200 degrees oven for 20 to 30 minutes to "sweat".

Some people sprinkle them with sea salt and place them in a colander over the sink to sweat. However, I prefer letting them sweat in the oven. It just seems to make them a bit drier.

Whatever you do though, don't skip the salt! The salt is what helps bring out the moisture.

Then, wrap the zoodles in paper towels and gently squeeze to get out the excess water.

Be careful not to squeeze out every last drop or the noodles will be mushy!

To cook the noodles, simply saute in some oil over medium-high heat until they reach the desired tenderness, around 3 to 5 minutes.

And then that's it, you're done! Add sauce and enjoy 🙂

How to make zucchini lasagna noodles

Using zucchini in place of lasagna noodles is really easy! They're especially perfect in my Paleo & Keto Lasagna! There are 2 simple steps:

1. Slicing the zucchini: Slice the ends off of the zucchini. Holding the zucchini upright (vertical, standing on a sliced end), use a sharp knife to slice down creating ¼-inch slices. Try to make the slices as uniform as possible.
2. To prevent a watery lasagna, you’ll need to get out the excess moisture. To do this, place the zucchini slices on paper-towel-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with sea salt and allow to “sweat” in a 200-degree oven for 20 – 30 minutes. Wrap the noodles in paper towels and gently squeeze to remove the excess moisture. Then, use them in place of the noodles when layering the lasagna then bake as directed.

💭 Top tips

• Zucchini noodles continue to seep water as they sit, so I don't recommend mixing them with sauce until they're ready to serve.
• Zoodles can be spiralized and kept in the fridge for a few days before use, but I don't recommend cooking them until they're ready to be used.
• Do not freeze, it ruins the texture - trust me!
• Don't skip letting the noodles sweat! Otherwise, they will be watery.
• You can also sweat the noodles by sprinkling them with sea salt and placing them in a colander over the sink for 30 minutes. However, I prefer letting them sweat in the oven. It just seems to make them a bit drier.
• Whatever you do, don't skip the salt! The salt is what helps bring out the moisture and allows them to "sweat".
• While you could peel the zucchini for prettier noodles, I've found that I prefer to leave the skin on. The skin makes them more sturdy and releases less water.

Looking for recipes to use with your zoodles?

I think you'll love these...

• Lasagna Soup
• Chicken 'Noodle' SoupChicken Parmesan
• Alfredo Sauce
• Pesto
• Chicken Piccata
• Meat Sauce
• Tuscan Chicken
• Shrimp Pasta

If you’ve tried these Zucchini Noodles or any other recipe on the blog please let me know in the comments below!

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📖 Recipe