Spicy Garlic Sesame Zucchini Noodles Recipe
This Chinese Zucchini recipe features fresh zucchini noodles tossed in a flavorful, spicy sauce made with garlic, coconut aminos, tahini, chili powder, and sesame oil. It’s a quick, vibrant, and healthy dish perfect as a light meal or side, combining crisp zoodles with nutty and spicy Asian-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Noodles
- 4 zucchinis/courgettes (cut into noodles using a spiralizer, mandoline slicer, or knife)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 2 tablespoons tahini (or peanut/almond butter as alternatives)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2–3 teaspoons medium or mild chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons chili oil
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zoodles: Use a spiralizer, mandoline slicer, or knife to cut the zucchinis into noodle-like shapes. If using a spiralizer, cut the long noodles into shorter lengths with scissors to make them easier to mix and eat.
- Salt and Drain: Toss the zucchini noodles with 1 teaspoon of salt and place them in a colander or strainer over the sink (or on a pot or towel) to drain for 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess water from the zucchini.
- Make the Sauce: While the zoodles drain, combine finely chopped garlic, coconut aminos, tahini, sesame oil, chili powder, chili oil, and optional honey or maple syrup in a mixing bowl. Stir well until all ingredients are blended into a smooth sauce.
- Squeeze Out Moisture: After 30 minutes, gently squeeze the zucchini noodles to remove extra moisture. This prevents the dish from becoming watery and helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained zucchini noodles to the sauce bowl and thoroughly mix to ensure the zoodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top before serving. Enjoy this refreshing, Asian-inspired zucchini noodle dish immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To reduce sodium, adjust the amount of coconut aminos or salt added.
- For a nut-free option, substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter.
- You can customize chili powder quantity to control the heat level.
- Make sure to thoroughly squeeze out zucchini water to avoid a soggy dish.
- This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Keywords: Chinese zucchini, zucchini noodles, zoodles, vegan Chinese salad, no-cook zucchini recipe, healthy Asian salad, low calorie zucchini dish
