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I remember the first time I tried zoodles. It was at a little farmers market, and honestly? I was skeptical. But one bite of this balsamic-glazed stir-fry, and I was hooked! It's become a go-to weeknight dinner in my house. The spiralized zucchini is so light and refreshing, and the balsamic glaze adds this unbelievable depth of flavor. It's the sort of dish you can feel good about eating, too. Plus, clean-up is a breeze. Seriously, what more could you want?
What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can toss in whatever veggies you have on hand – bell peppers, broccoli, carrots – the possibilities are endless! And if you're looking to add some protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work beautifully. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, even if I must say so myself. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking, too! I've been playing around with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick lately.
Don't be intimidated by the 'balsamic glaze' part, either. It's ridiculously simple to make! Just simmer balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or maple syrup until it thickens into a luscious, glossy sauce. It's like liquid gold, I swear! And it takes this dish from 'meh' to 'WOW'. Serve immediately, and watch it disappear. One of my friends who tried this kept raving about how it was better than any restaurant meal. Seriously! So, lets jump right into it.
Transform simple zucchini noodles into a flavorful masterpiece with this Balsamic Glazed Zoodle Stir-Fry. This quick and easy recipe combines fresh veggies, a tangy balsamic glaze, and your choice of protein for a healthy and satisfying meal that's ready in minutes.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Zoodles: Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create zucchini noodles (zoodles) from the zucchini. If using a vegetable peeler, slice the zucchini into thin, fettuccine-like strips. Place the zoodles in a colander and lightly salt them. This helps draw out excess moisture and prevents them from becoming soggy during cooking. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes, then gently squeeze out any excess water with paper towels.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the zoodles are draining, chop all the vegetables. Dice the bell peppers, slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and chop the green onions. Having everything prepped and ready will make the stir-frying process smooth and efficient.
Make the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce (or tamari), and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to burn it! The glaze should be syrupy but still pourable. Remove from heat and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil (or sesame oil) in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced bell peppers and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly softened and the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown.
Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute more, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the Zoodles: Add the prepared zoodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together to combine.
Pour in the Balsamic Glaze: Pour the balsamic glaze over the zoodles and vegetables. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the zoodles are heated through and evenly coated with the glaze. Be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking the zoodles.
Season and Serve: Season the stir-fry with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. If desired, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve on its own for a light meal, or alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier dish. Enjoy every delicious bite!
📝 Notes
For a richer flavor, try using aged balsamic vinegar.
Add your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, for a more substantial meal.
Customize the vegetables to your liking! Broccoli, carrots, or snap peas would all be delicious additions.