How to Freeze Zucchini Noodles: 13 Steps
Step 1: Choose the best zucchinis
When selecting zucchinis for freezing, look for small to medium-sized vegetables that are firm and free of blemishes or soft spots.
Step 2: Wash the zucchinis
Rinse each zucchini under cold water, making sure to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step 3: Spiralize the zucchinis
Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create long, thin noodle-like strips from the zucchinis. Discard the seeds and core.
Step 4: Blanch the noodles
Place the zucchini noodles in boiling water for two minutes to blanch them. This will preserve their color and texture when freezing.
Step 5: Shock the noodles
After blanching, immediately transfer the noodles to an ice water bath for two minutes to stop the cooking process. This step is essential for maintaining crispness.
Step 6: Drain and pat dry
Thoroughly drain the zucchini noodles in a colander and gently pat them dry with a clean towel before freezing.
Step 7: Portion into serving sizes
Divide the noodles into individual portions based on your preferred serving size. This makes it easier to thaw and cook only what you need later on.
Step 8: Place portions in freezer bags
Place each portion of zucchini noodles into a separate resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Alternatively, you may use a vacuum sealer to save space and prevent freezer burn.
Step 9: Label bags
Label each bag with the date of freezing and portion size to keep track of quality and make meal planning easier.
Step 10: Lay flat in freezer
Place the bags of zucchini noodles flat in your freezer so they freeze evenly and don’t stick together. Once frozen, they can be stacked or organized however you’d like for storage.
Step 11: Thaw before cooking
When you’re ready to cook with your zucchini noodles, transfer the desired portion from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight or for a few hours.
Step 12: Drain excess liquid
Once thawed, drain any excess liquid from the zucchini noodles. This will help maintain their texture during cooking.
Step 13: Cook and enjoy
Cook your thawed zucchini noodles as desired and enjoy a delicious meal that includes these healthy, home-frozen vegetables!
In conclusion, freezing zucchini noodles is easy, convenient, and a wonderful way to preserve fresh produce for future use. By following these 13 simple steps, you’ll always have a supply of tasty zucchini noodles on hand for all kinds of dishes.