Stir Fry Zucchini Noodles Vegan Gluten Free Recipe

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as whipping up a vibrant veggie stir-fry with spiralized zucchini noodles that transforms everyday ingredients into a colorful, delicious masterpiece. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey together!

Creating dishes that are both scrumptious and full of nutrients is my thing. This recipe for stir-fry zucchini noodles is just that, and the flavors and colors of the dish will make you fall in love with it, too.

So gluten-free and vegan, it has red bell pepper, an aromatic spice, and a twist on noodle; zucchini is shredded and stir-fried until it takes on the texture of a soft, yet resilient, noodle.

Ingredients

• Zucchinis: Low in calories, high in fiber, aids in digestion.
• Garlic: Rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity, enhances flavor.
• Red Bell Pepper: Provides vitamin C, adds sweetness and color.
• Mushrooms: Low in calories, source of B vitamins, earthy flavor.
• Snap Peas: Excellent source of vitamin K, crunchy texture, subtly sweet.
• Tamari: Gluten-free soy sauce, adds umami, low-calorie seasoning.
• Sesame Seeds: Provide healthy fats, nutty flavor, add texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free version)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by using a spiralizer to turn the zucchinis into spiralized zucchini noodles. Put those noodles aside for now.

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until it is aromatic.

4. In the skillet, combine the cut red bell pepper, mushrooms, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

5. Add in the spiralized zucchini noodles and mix them with the other vegetables in the skillet.

6. Add the tamari or soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly until the noodles and vegetables are evenly covered.

7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so the zucchini noodles are cooked through but still have a little bit of firmness left in them.

8. Remove the heat from the skillet and give it salt and pepper to taste.

9. Disperse sesame seeds and the green onions, sliced, over the stir fry.

10. Immediately serve and savor the flavorful and fresh stir-fry, reveling in its nutritious characteristics.

Equipment Needed

1. Spiralizer
2. Large skillet or wok
3. Medium heat source (e.g., stovetop burner)
4. Knife (for mincing garlic and slicing vegetables)
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Serving plates or bowls

FAQ

• What is the best way to spiralize zucchini?A spiralizer tool can be used for consistent noodle shapes, or you can use a julienne peeler as an alternative.
• Can I substitute olive oil with another oil?Indeed, when it comes to finding a replacement for olive oil, one can look to avocado or coconut oil. These oils can stand in well for their Mediterranean counterpart in most any application.
• Is tamari the same as soy sauce?Tamari resembles soy sauce but is usually gluten-free and somewhat less salty.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep in a vacuum-sealed container in the cold storage of the refrigerator for no longer than 48 hours.
• Can I add protein to this dish?Indeed, you have the option of including tofu or tempeh for a protein boost.
• How can I prevent the zucchini noodles from becoming watery?Salt the noodles lightly and drain well. Remove any excess moisture from the noodles before cooking.
• Can other vegetables be added?Of course, you can add your preferred vegetables, like broccoli or carrots.

Stir Fry Zucchini Noodles Vegan Gluten Free Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute avocado oil or coconut oil for olive oil.
Garlic: substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or use milder roasted garlic.
Yellow or orange bell peppers are suitable replacements for red bell peppers because they have a similar level of sweetness.
Sugar snap peas: substitute with something equally crisp, like sugar snap peas or green beans.
Coconut aminos can be used in place of tamari or soy sauce to make this a soy-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Prevent Watery Noodles: After spiralizing the zucchini, lightly salt the noodles and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent a watery stir-fry.