Healthy Easy Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry (Print Version)

Vibrant zucchini noodles tossed in creamy peanut sauce, quick and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized (approximately 6 cups)
02 - 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 - 1 large carrot, julienned or spiralized
04 - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Peanut Sauce

07 - 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
08 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
09 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
11 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
12 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
13 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
15 - 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water
16 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Garnish

17 - 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
18 - Additional cilantro or green onions

# How To Make It:

01 - Spiralize zucchinis and carrots into noodle-like strands. Slice bell pepper, trim and halve snap peas, and slice green onions. Chop cilantro and set all prepared vegetables aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Gradually add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until sauce achieves smooth, pourable consistency. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
03 - Place a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Optional: add a splash of sesame oil for enhanced flavor.
04 - Add bell pepper, carrot, and snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining slight firmness.
05 - Add spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet, tossing gently for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Avoid prolonged cooking to prevent excessive moisture release.
06 - Pour prepared peanut sauce over vegetables and toss thoroughly to distribute evenly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until all components are heated through.
07 - Remove from heat immediately. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately while components maintain optimal texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 25 minutes.
  • Uses fresh vegetables for a light, nutritious meal.
  • The creamy peanut sauce adds rich, tangy flavor without dairy.
  • Suitable for vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
  • Perfect for meal prep or an everyday healthy dinner.
02 -
  • Begin whisking the sauce with 2 tablespoons of warm water and add more gradually to avoid thinning it too much.
  • Do not overcook zucchini noodles to maintain their texture.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
  • For added flavor, toast peanuts before chopping for garnish.
  • If nut allergies are a concern, sunflower seed butter can replace peanut butter, and coconut aminos can substitute soy sauce.
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