We were staring at a ton of zucchini. When Summer rolls around we are literally rolling in zucchini and everyone is giving away their garden zucchini. So for today’s lunch we were lazy and wanted something different. The most logical thing to do was to make our chili crunch zucchini noodles in 15 minutes. Yes, it’s literally super quick and simple to make.

chili crunch zucchini noodles with fork holding bowl

Homemade Chili Crunch Zucchini Noodles

We always have jars of our homemade chili crunch. It’s one of our go-to condiments that saves the day or sometimes, the meal. There were a bunch of zucchini and summer squash staring at us so we quickly shredded them into noodle strands. And within 15 minutes we each had a low carb and healthy bowl of chili crunch zoodles. These were so satisfying, loaded with flavor and didn’t fall asleep. The meal was so light but satisfying and it’s going to be one of our go-to quick and easy healthy meals to make.

Video: Chili Crunch Zucchini Noodles or Zoodles

skillet of chili crisp zoodles or zucchini noodles

Best Tools to Make Zoodles or Zucchini Noodles

We have two favorite tools to transform zucchini or summer squash into noodles. These are a great addition to your kitchen. They’re useful as vegetable spiralizers or vegetable shredders anytime you want to make vegetable noodles for a quick and healthy meal.

7 Blade Spiralizer
7 Blade Spiralizer

The Classic! We’ve lost track of how many meals this one has made for us. Fantastic spiralizer.

KitchenAid Spiralizer Attachment
KitchenAid Spiralizer Attachment

Spiralize, peel, core, slice. All from the power of the KitchenAid stand mixer.

OXO Julienne Tool
OXO Julienne Tool

For those who love it simple. This great julienne peeler has seen a lot of mileage in our kitchen.

chili crunch zucchini noodles with fork holding bowl

Chili Crunch Zucchini Noodles (Chili Crisp Zoodles)

Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
We like to have our zucchini noodles a little on the crunchy side, so we will remove them from the heat before they are fully tender. They will soften a touch after removing from the heat.
The amount of chili crunch will vary quite a bit depending on the fullness of flavor and spiciness of your chili crunch. If you aren't sure how much to add, start with a little less than you anticipate, taste it, and add more to you liking. Here's our recipe for a homemade chili crunch.
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Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil , grapeseed oil, olive oil, or any cooking oil
  • 2-3 medium shallots , diced (or 1/2 onion, diced)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic , minced or crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt , or to taste
  • black pepper , to taste
  • 1-2 Tablespoons (15-30 ml) chili crunch (chili crisp), or to taste

Instructions 

  • Cut zucchini into noodles using spiralizer, julienne tool, or a mandoline (if using a mandoline, we highly recommend using cut resistant gloves). Set aside.
    cutting zucchini noodles
  • Heat about 2 Tablespoons of oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add diced shallots (or onions) and minced garlic, cook until soft, about 1 minute.
    sautee onions and garlic
  • Add the zucchini noodles. Add the salt and pepper. Stir everything in the pan until coated and continue cooking until zucchini noodles are very nearly cooked to your preferred tenderness (they will soften just a little after removing from the heat), about 2-3 minutes for a slightly al dente tenderness. Remove from the heat.
    sautee zucchini noodles in pan
  • Add the chili crunch to your preferred taste (we start with 1-2 tablespoons of chili crunch and add from there). Enjoy!
    adding chili crunch to noodles
  • Immediately transfer noodles to a bowl so the noodles don't get to mushy. Add additional chili crunch if you like.
    finished bowl of chili crisp zucchini noodles

Video

Nutrition Information per Serving

Calories: 241kcal, Carbohydrates: 11g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 15g, Sodium: 601mg, Potassium: 607mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 393IU, Vitamin C: 38mg, Calcium: 47mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 241
bowl of chili crisp zoodles with fork

Summer Squash or Different Varieties of Zucchini for Noodles

It’s not just zucchini that makes this recipe great. You can use yellow Summer squash or even carrots. There’s so many varieties of Summer squash out there. Have fun mixing up your zoodle recipe routine and make it different every time! We have so many zucchini noodles recipes for you to try. And if you’re still overloaded with zucchini, then check out all our easy zucchini recipes.

Adding Meat or Other Sauces

Our chili crisp zucchini noodle recipe is a simple and vegetarian or vegan alternative. But you can add ground meat if you like. Just brown some ground beef, turkey, chicken or pork. Then add the remainder of the ingredients in the written recipe. To minimize some of the heat, add about 1/4 cup of tomato or marinara sauce. Even a simple white alfredo sauce just makes these zucchini noodles extra creamy and spicy! The flavor is fantastic.

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