Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Okay, real talk – I used to dread veggie nights. Like, seriously DREAD. But then, one evening, rummaging through the fridge, I stumbled upon a lone zucchini, some coconut milk, and a jar of chili garlic sauce. Necessity is the mother of invention, right? And thus, the Spicy Coconut Zoodle Crave was born! One of the best thing about this recipe is you can sneak veggies into yours and others' meals while keeping them fun and delicious.
This isn't your boring, bland veggie dish. It's a flavor explosion! The zucchini noodles, or 'zoodles' as we affectionately call them, provide a light and refreshing base. The coconut milk adds a creamy richness, while the chili garlic sauce brings the heat. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite protein and veggies. Shrimp, chicken, tofu, bell peppers, broccoli – the possibilities are endless! What does this mean for you? Endless possibilities for dinner!
Craving something healthy, delicious, and with a kick? These Spicy Coconut Zoodles are your answer! This vibrant dish combines zucchini noodles with a creamy, spicy coconut sauce that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. A fun way to eat your veggies!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prep the Zoodles: Using a spiralizer, turn your zucchini into zoodles. If you don't have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works too – just create wide ribbons. Place the zoodles in a colander and lightly salt them. This will help draw out excess moisture, preventing a soggy dish. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes, then gently squeeze out any excess water with paper towels. Nobody likes soggy zoodles!
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or wok, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – burnt garlic is the WORST.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk, vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you're not vegetarian), soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), lime juice, chili garlic sauce, and brown sugar (or maple syrup). Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. More chili garlic sauce for extra spice? Go for it!
Cook the Protein (Optional): If you're adding protein, now's the time to cook it. For shrimp, add it to the sauce and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes. For chicken or tofu, you can sauté it separately and then add it to the sauce. Make sure your protein is cooked through!
Add the Zoodles: Toss the prepared zoodles into the sauce. Gently stir to coat them evenly. Cook for just a minute or two, until the zoodles are heated through but still slightly crisp. Overcooked zoodles are mushy zoodles, and nobody wants that.
Add Veggies (Optional): If you're adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, add them along with the zoodles. Cook until they're tender-crisp. Don't overcook them!
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy! Maybe add a few red pepper flakes for an extra kick? I wont judge.
📝 Notes
Add shrimp, chicken, or tofu for extra protein.
Customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots.
Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your spice preference.