Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Garlic Prawns

A Fresh and Healthy Delight!

If you’re looking for a light, flavourful, and incredibly easy meal, my Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Garlic Prawns is just the thing! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fresh, nutritious, and packed with flavour without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-carb & Gluten-free – A perfect alternative to pasta without compromising on taste.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for a fast and healthy meal.
• Bursting with Flavour – The combination of lemon, garlic, and juicy prawns is simply irresistible.

The Star Ingredients

• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – Light and fresh, they soak up the delicious sauce beautifully.
• Prawns – A great source of lean protein with a naturally sweet and juicy taste.
• Garlic & Lemon – Classic flavours that enhance the dish with zesty, savoury goodness.
• Olive Oil & Butter – For a silky, rich sauce that ties everything together.

How to Cook It

This dish comes together in minutes! You’ll sauté the prawns in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, add a splash of fresh lemon juice, and toss everything with perfectly cooked zucchini noodles. You can prepare the zoodles effortlessly in your Thermomix®.

Tips for the Best Zoodles

• Don’t overcook them! A quick sauté or steam keeps them firm and fresh.
• Salt and drain before cooking to remove excess moisture.
• Toss in sauce just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Pair It With

• A crisp garden salad for extra freshness.
• A sprinkle of parmesan or feta for added creaminess.
• A glass of chilled white wine for a perfect finishing touch.

But first a few tips on zucchini noodles!

Zucchini Noodles : The Best Way to Cook Them

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a fantastic low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta. They’re light, fresh, and incredibly versatile! But if you’ve ever tried cooking them, you may have encountered a common problem—soggy noodles. The trick is to cook them just enough to soften while keeping their delicious texture intact.

This is a fabulous recipe, easy, light and tasty! Perfect for mid week. But first lets explore more on zucchini noodles – how to make and how to cook them.

How to Make Zucchini Noodles

Before we get into the cooking methods, let’s talk about making zucchini noodles. There are several tools you can use:

• Thermomix® Spiraliser – The easiest way to get perfect, even zoodles. https://thermomix.com.au/products/thermomix-spiralizer
• Julienne Peeler – A great option for thin, delicate strands.
• Mandoline Slicer – Produces wider ribbons, great for a different texture.

Once you’ve made your zucchini noodles, let them rest on some kitchen paper to absorb excess moisture.

The Best Ways to Cook Zucchini Noodles

1. Sautéing (Stovetop Method)

Sautéing is the best way to cook zucchini noodles without making them mushy. How to do it:

• Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
• Add the zoodles and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently.
• Remove from heat while they are still slightly firm.
• Season with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs.

2. Thermomix® Steaming Method

Using the Varoma is a gentle way to cook zoodles while preserving texture. How to do it:

• Place 500g water in the Thermomix® bowl.
• Put the zucchini noodles in the Varoma dish.
• Steam for 2–3 minutes / Varoma / Speed 2.
• Immediately remove from the Varoma to prevent overcooking.

3. Thermomix® Stirring Method

If you prefer a quick one-bowl method, you can lightly stir-cook the zoodles. How to do it:

• Place 1 tbsp butter or olive oil and zoodles in the Thermomix® bowl. Season.
• Cook for 2 min / 100°C / Reverse / Speed Soft.
• Drain any excess liquid before serving.

4. Raw Zoodles (Best for Salads and Cold Dishes)

For a crisp, refreshing option, serve zucchini noodles raw! How to do it:

• Toss with dressing, salt, and other fresh veggies.
• Let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavours before serving.

5. Baking (Less Common but Great for Casseroles)

If you’re using zoodles in a baked dish like lasagna, pre-cooking is key. How to do it:

• Lay zoodles on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.
• Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
• Bake at 180°C for 5–7 minutes, then pat dry before adding to your dish.

Tips to Avoid Soggy Zoodles

• Don’t overcook them! A minute or two is all they need.
• Drain excess moisture by patting them dry after cooking.
• Use high heat quickly if sautéing to keep them firm.
• Salt before cooking, let them sit for a few minutes, then drain excess water.

Delicious Zoodle Pairings

• Toss with pesto for a quick, flavour-packed meal.
• Add garlic butter and parmesan for a simple side dish.
• Serve with bolognese or marinara sauce for a comforting pasta alternative.
• Stir into pad Thai or other Asian-inspired dishes for a healthy twist OR
• Make my Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Garlic Prawns – recipe below!