How To Make Courgette Noodles

You can make courgette noodles by spiralizing fresh courgettes into thin, pasta-like strands that cook in minutes.
 
These courgette noodles, often called zoodles, are a brilliant low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make courgette noodles without fancy equipment, don’t worry.
 
There are several easy methods, and you probably already own at least one tool that can do the job.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make courgette noodles, the best ways to cook them so they don’t turn soggy, and a few tasty tips to keep them firm and flavourful.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Make Courgette Noodles: The Basics

Learning how to make courgette noodles starts with choosing the right courgettes and the right tool.
 
The process itself is wonderfully simple once you know the ropes.
 

1. Pick Firm, Medium-Sized Courgettes

The best courgette noodles come from firm, medium-sized courgettes.
 
Large courgettes tend to be watery and seedy, which makes soggy noodles.
 
Small ones are tender but can be fiddly to spiralize.
 
Look for courgettes that feel heavy for their size and have shiny, unblemished skin.
 
You don’t even need to peel them, as the skin holds the strands together and adds colour.
 

2. Choose Your Spiralizing Tool

When you make courgette noodles, you have three main options.
 
A spiralizer is the classic choice and gives you long, even strands in seconds.
 
A julienne peeler is a cheaper alternative that creates thinner, flatter courgette noodles.
 
And a sharp knife works too, though it takes patience to cut uniform strips.
 
Any of these tools will help you make courgette noodles that hold up well in a sauce.
 

3. Trim and Spiralize

Start by trimming both ends of each courgette.
 
If your courgette is very long, cut it in half so the strands stay manageable.
 
Then run it through your spiralizer or julienne peeler, rotating as you go.
 
The result is a bowl full of fresh courgette noodles ready for cooking.
 

How to Keep Courgette Noodles From Getting Soggy

Sogginess is the number one complaint when people make courgette noodles.
 
Courgettes are about 95 percent water, so the key is to remove excess moisture before cooking.
 
Here’s how to make courgette noodles that stay firm.
 

1. Salt and Drain Them

Toss your courgette noodles with a pinch of salt in a colander.
 
Let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
 
The salt draws out water, which drips away and leaves firmer strands.
 
Then pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
 
This one step transforms how your courgette noodles turn out.
 

2. Avoid Overcooking

Courgette noodles need very little heat.
 
Sauté them for just one to two minutes in a hot pan, or blanch them for 30 seconds.
 
If you cook courgette noodles too long, they release water and turn to mush.
 
Treat them like fresh herbs, not dried pasta.
 

3. Serve Immediately

Once your courgette noodles are cooked, serve them right away.
 
They continue softening as they sit, especially in a warm sauce.
 
If you’re meal prepping, keep the raw courgette noodles and sauce separate until serving time.
 
That way, they stay crisp and never go limp.
 

Best Ways to Cook Courgette Noodles

Now that you know how to make courgette noodles, let’s talk about cooking them.
 
You can enjoy courgette noodles raw in salads, but a quick cook makes them more pasta-like.
 

1. Sauté in a Hot Pan

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
 
Add your drained courgette noodles and toss for one to two minutes.
 
Season with garlic, salt, and pepper.
 
This method gives courgette noodles a lovely slight char and keeps them firm.
 

2. Blanch Quickly in Boiling Water

Drop courgette noodles into boiling water for 30 seconds, no more.
 
Drain them immediately and pat dry.
 
This is the fastest way to make courgette noodles that taste tender but not mushy.
 

3. Bake Into a Casserole

You can also make courgette noodles in the oven.
 
Toss them with sauce and cheese, then bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes.
 
The result is a comforting, low-carb bake that the whole family will love.
 
Just be sure to drain your courgette noodles well first, or the dish turns watery.
 

So, How Do You Make Courgette Noodles?

You make courgette noodles by spiralizing firm courgettes into strands, salting them to remove moisture, and cooking them briefly so they stay firm.
 
Learning how to make courgette noodles is genuinely easy once you nail the draining step.
 
Whether you sauté, blanch, or bake them, courgette noodles are a versatile, healthy swap for pasta.
 
So grab a courgette, pick your tool, and make courgette noodles tonight.
 
Your next low-carb dinner is just minutes away.