Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry

This Asian-inspired zucchini noodle stir fry is a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional stir fries that’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly. Loaded with tons of vegetables and a sweet and tangy Asian sauce. Perfect as a light main course or a side dish!

Love making takeout at home? Then you’ve got to try my Kung Pao shrimp and my vegetable fried rice!

Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry

Sometimes you just need a light meal that’s packed with fresh ingredients and tons of flavor. And this Asian-inspired zucchini noodle stir fry fits the bill!

This is a perfect recovery meal after the holidays, an event, or gathering with family and friends where you enjoyed a lot of delicious, heavy foods. I kept it vegan- and vegetarian-friendly, but you could add some meat or protein-packed meat alternatives to make this dish more filling.

Loaded with fresh zoodles, peppers, carrots, aromatics, cashews, and spices, you’re going to love this easy, simple, healthy recipe. It’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a side dish!

What Are Zoodles, Exactly?

Zucchini noodles, aka “zoodles,” are a naturally gluten-free, veggie-based alternative to traditional noodles that have grown in popularity in recent years. They’re made by slicing a zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips using a vegetable peeler, sharp knife, or a produce spiralizer.

Zoodles are often used in place of wheat- or grain-based noodles, but they can also be used along with them. They’re a great way to lighten up a meal while maintaining the general texture and satisfying fork twirl of noodles. They also take on any flavor you cook them with, making them perfect for tossing in marinara sauces and Asian-inspired sauces like the one used in this zucchini noodle stir fry recipe

ingredients

• Zucchini: When selecting the zucchini squash to use in this homemade stir fry recipe, opt for ones that feel firm. You don’t want a soft or mush squash, as it will fall apart after being spiralized or cooked.
• Aromatics: The garlic and ginger make this recipe, in my opinion. You could omit them, but I do not recommend it. These aromatics elevate this zucchini noodle stir fry recipe to taste like traditional Asian-style stir fries or chow mein.
• The Sauce: Made with sesame oil, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, light brown sugar, and rice wine vinegar, this sauce is seriously addictive! And it’s the perfect way to flavor these otherwise plain zucchini noodles.

how to make zucchini noodle stir fry

• Heat oil in a large skillet. Add in carrots, onions and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until carrots and bell pepper are starting to get tender.

• Add in zucchini spirals, ginger and garlic. Cook for 2 more minutes then remove from the heat.

• Stir in soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, hoisin, sesame oil and light brown sugar. Toss to coat in sauce.

• Serve immediately with cashews and sesame seeds for garnish, if desired.

serving suggestions

• Kung Pao Shrimp
• Egg Drop Soup
• Homemade Dumplings
• Chicken Lo Mein
• Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli
• Homemade Egg Rolls
• General Tso’s Chicken
• 30 Minute Mongolian Beef

tips and variations

• You can use yellow squash in place of the green zucchini, if desired.
• Add some chicken, steak, salmon, or tofu to this homemade zucchini noodle stir fry to make it more filling and a more complete meal!
• Spice it up with some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced or thinly sliced hot peppers like jalapeños or serranos.
• Looking for more umami flavor? Add a splash of fish sauce or oyster sauce!
• Want to make this zucchini noodle stir fry recipe Whole30-friendly? Simply omit the light brown sugar! If you need a little bit of sweetness while staying true to this diet, you could add a bit of date powder, but it would honestly taste fine without any sweetener.

More Vegetarian Recipes To Try

• Zucchini Noodles with Blistered Tomatoes and Pesto
• Cauliflower Fried Rice
• Rainbow Vegetable Stir Fry
• Homemade Pad Thai
• Rainbow Vegetable Spring Rolls