Zucchini Noodle Chow Mein is a healthy, low-carb twist on the classic Chinese takeout favorite. Made with spiralized zucchini instead of traditional noodles, this dish is packed with vegetables and tossed in a flavorful sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional chow mein
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Packed with fresh vegetables and a savory, umami-rich sauce
- Customizable with your favorite protein, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu
- A delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- Carrot, julienned
- Bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Green onions, chopped
- Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- Hoisin sauce
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef – optional)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant.
- If using a protein, add it to the pan and cook until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until tender but not soggy.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce over the vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
- Return the cooked protein to the pan, if using, and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add Sriracha or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Protein Boost: Incorporate chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beef for a heartier meal.
- Nutty Flavor: Toss in some crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Different Veggies: Substitute or add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for variety.
- Keto-Friendly: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and reduce the carrots for lower carbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the zucchini noodles mushy.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as zucchini noodles release too much water when thawed.
FAQs
How do I prevent zucchini noodles from getting soggy?
Cook them for only 1-2 minutes and avoid adding salt during cooking, as it releases water.
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute with shirataki noodles, spaghetti squash, or whole wheat noodles if preferred.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the veggies and sauce ahead to save time.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
A mix of soy sauce, a little honey, and a touch of peanut butter can mimic the flavor of hoisin sauce.
Can I bake the zucchini noodles instead of stir-frying?
Yes, you can roast them at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, but watch closely to prevent overcooking.
What’s the best way to spiralize zucchini?
Use a spiralizer, julienne peeler, or mandoline slicer to get thin, even noodles.
Can I use frozen zucchini noodles?
Fresh is best, as frozen tends to be watery, but if using frozen, pat dry after thawing.
How do I add more protein to this dish?
Try adding scrambled eggs, cooked chickpeas, or extra tofu along with your preferred protein.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just omit the meat and use a vegan hoisin sauce.
Conclusion
Zucchini Noodle Chow Mein is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional chow mein, offering a low-carb and veggie-packed option without sacrificing flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or customize it with protein, this dish is quick, easy, and satisfying. Try it out and enjoy a fresh twist on a classic favorite!
PrintZucchini Noodle Chow Mein
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthy and low-carb alternative to traditional chow mein, this dish swaps out regular noodles for spiralized zucchini. It’s packed with crisp veggies and tossed in a flavorful homemade chow mein sauce.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Chow Mein:
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1/2 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
- Cook the veggies: Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the oil and sauté the onion, cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, and snap peas for about 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add zucchini noodles: Toss in the spiralized zucchini and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until just tender. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
- Toss with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and veggies. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For added protein, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- To prevent zucchini noodles from becoming watery, lightly pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking.
- You can swap zucchini noodles for shirataki or kelp noodles for a different low-carb option.
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