Zucchini Noodles with Peanut Sauce Recipe

This delicious and healthy dish combines spiralized zucchini (also known as zoodles) with a creamy peanut sauce, making it a perfect low-carb, vegan meal. Below is a straightforward recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Zucchini Noodles:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts (for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon red Thai curry paste
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar-free syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Optional: sesame oil for added flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:

• Wash and trim the ends of the zucchinis. Use a spiralizer to create noodles. If you don’t have one, you can use a mandoline or julienne peeler to slice the zucchini into thin strips.

Make the Peanut Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, red Thai curry paste, soy sauce, honey (or syrup), rice vinegar, sriracha, ginger, and garlic until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Cook the Zoodles:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Combine and Serve:

• Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked zucchini noodles and toss until well coated. Let it simmer for an additional minute.
• Serve immediately, garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh parsley.

Tips

• Customization: Feel free to add protein such as tofu or chicken, or mix in additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more texture and flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Serving Suggestion: This dish can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any season.

This recipe offers a delightful balance of creamy and savory flavors while being light on calories—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner! Enjoy your healthy meal!

Here are some ideas and suggestions for enhancing your zucchini noodles with peanut sauce:

Vegetable Additions

You can add a variety of vegetables to your zucchini noodles to enhance flavor and nutrition:

• Carrots: Shredded or spiralized for extra crunch and sweetness.
• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or green bell peppers add color and sweetness.
• Cabbage: Thinly sliced cabbage can add a nice crunch.
• Broccoli or Cauliflower: Lightly steamed florets can be mixed in for added texture.
• Snap Peas or Snow Peas: These provide a sweet, crunchy element.

Nut Butter Alternatives

If you want to use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter, consider:

• Almond Butter: Offers a similar creamy texture with a slightly different flavor.
• Cashew Butter: Creamy and mild, it works well in sauces.
• Sunflower Seed Butter: A great nut-free option that provides a different taste.

Reducing Spiciness in Peanut Sauce

To make your peanut sauce less spicy:

• Reduce Sriracha: Use less sriracha or omit it entirely.
• Add Sweetness: Increase the amount of honey or sugar to balance the heat.
• Use Milder Chili Paste: Opt for a milder chili paste if available.

Protein Pairings

Several protein options pair well with zucchini noodles and peanut sauce:

• Tofu: Firm tofu can be cubed and sautéed until crispy.
• Chickpeas: Roasted chickpeas add protein and crunch.
• Shrimp or Chicken: Cooked shrimp or grilled chicken strips can enhance the dish’s heartiness.
• Tempeh: Marinated and sautéed tempeh offers a great vegan protein source.

Low-Carb Coconut Milk Substitutes

If you’re looking for low-carb substitutes for coconut milk:

• Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is lower in carbs but may alter the flavor slightly.
• Cashew Milk: Similar to almond milk, it’s creamy and low in carbs.
• Heavy Cream: If you’re not strictly vegan, heavy cream can provide richness without many carbs.

These suggestions should help you customize your zucchini noodles with peanut sauce to suit your taste preferences!