You bet! I was so happy to find this out because I love making zucchini noodles but don’t always have the time to cook them. So I am glad that we can freeze zoodles.
Can you freeze zucchini noodles?
Yes, you can freeze zucchini noodles. Removing the water from zoodles and drying them before freezing is essential. It will keep the zucchini noodles intact after defrosting.
The best way to do it is by blanching the noodles first. Blanching is the process of boiling the noodles for a short time. It will help to preserve their color and texture.
After blanching, shock the noodles in cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the water and pat the noodles dry with a paper towel. You have to dry them before freezing.
How to freeze zoodles?
There are two methods to freeze zucchini noodles.
You can either blanch them or freeze them without blanching. For example, I do not blanch my zucchini noodles because they are an extra step and still taste good.
Without blanching
Remove as much moisture as possible from zucchini noodles if you want to freeze zoodles without blanching. Zucchini is almost 95% water. Therefore, you should remove the water before freezing. Otherwise, it will be a mess after defrosting.
Remove water
After spiralizing your zucchini noodles, lay them on a paper towel or clean dish towel. Gently pat them dry, and try to squeeze the water into a bowl.
You can either blanch them or freeze them without blanching. For example, I do not blanch my zucchini noodles because they are an extra step and still taste frozen.
Without blanching
Remove as much moisture as possible from zucchini noodles if you want to freeze zoodles without blanching. Zucchini is almost 95% water, making it soggy and messy after defrosting. Therefore you should remove the water before freezing.
Remove water
After spiralizing the zoodles, sprinkle salt in the bowl that contains zoodles. Mix it properly so that it squeezes water from the zucchini noodles. This method is better if you want to freeze zucchini noodles without blanching.
Knead the zoodles in a bowl and try to remove all the water. You will notice bubbles of moisture coming out.
Squeeze the water
First, drain the excess water and transfer the zoodles to cheesecloth or any other fiber material. Then, tie it tightly and squeeze the water from the zucchini noodles by twisting with your hands.
Repeat this process until the water stops dripping from the cloth.
Dry the noodles
Drying the zoodles is essential as the water in zoodles will make zoodles soggy and messy after defrosting.
To dry, lay the zoodles on a paper towel or any other kitchen towel. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Paper towels will soak the remaining moisture from the zoodles.
Transfer to freezer bags
After drying the zoodles, transfer them to freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible.
Place in freezer
Label with date and time and store in the freezer to use later.
Freezing zoodles after blanching
You can also freeze after blanching. Blanching helps in inactivating the enzymes present in zucchini. Also, blanching helps in preserving the color of the zoodles.
Blanch zoodles in boiling water
Start by blanching the zucchini noodles in boiling water for about 2 minutes. It will help them keep their shape after they’re frozen.
Dry the zoodles
Drain the noodles and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re not touching each other, or they’ll freeze together.
Flash freeze
Freeze the noodles for 2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll last in your freezer for up to 3 months.
Pro tip: Always freeze in portions you can use in one go. You cannot refreeze the zoodles.
How to defrost the zoodles?
When ready to eat, remove the zucchini noodles from the freezer and let them thaw for about 30 minutes. You can cook them according to your recipe or enjoy them raw in a salad.
Another straightforward method is to toss the frozen noodles in boiling water and let them defrost. You can use the defrosted zoodles to make pasta. Add to any other pasta so the picky eaters can have some veggies.
Tips for freezing zucchini noodles:
- Use a spiralizer to get long, thin noodles.
- Remove as much water as possible before freezing.
- Blanch the noodles before freezing to help them keep their shape.
- Freeze the noodles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
- Don’t add salt while cooking. It will release more water. It is better to cook first and then add the salt at the end according to your taste.
How long can you freeze zoodles?
Zucchini noodles can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Try to eat the zoodles as soon as you can. Freezing for a very long time can make zoodles soggy and tasteless.
How can you use the zucchini noodles?
There are so many ways to enjoy zucchini noodles! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Toss them with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast in the oven for a healthy alternative to pasta.
- Sauté them with garlic and onions for a light and healthy dinner.
- Enjoy them raw in a summer salad with fresh tomatoes and basil.
- Toss them with your favorite pasta sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.
- You can also make a colorful zoodles salad by adding them to any salad.
Can you freeze zucchini bread?
Can you freeze zoodles without blanching?
Yes, you can freeze zucchini noodles without blanching them. I do not blanch my zucchini noodles because it is an extra step, and they still taste great after defrosting.
Can you freeze cooked zucchini noodles?
Yes, you can freeze cooked zucchini noodles. I like to portion mine into individual servings so I can grab and go when I’m ready to eat. To reheat, cook the noodles in a pan over medium heat until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
Can you freeze grated zucchini?
Yes, you can freeze grated zucchini. I like to portion mine into individual servings so I can grab and go when I’m ready to eat. To reheat, cook the noodles in a pan over medium heat until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
I hope this blog post helped answer your question: Can you freeze zucchini noodles? Be sure to comment below if you have any tips or tricks to share! Happy cooking!
