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Cold Noodles With Zucchini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 54 reviews

This refreshing Cold Noodles with Zucchini recipe combines tender sautéed zucchini with chilled noodles tossed in a savory-sweet dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this dish balances vibrant flavors and textures, featuring a tangy dressing made with maple syrup, soy sauce, and fish sauce, complemented by fresh citrus and scallions.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 large zucchini (about 8 ounces)
  • Lemon or lime wedges, for serving
  • Thinly sliced scallions, for serving

Noodles

  • 3 to 4 ounces dried ramen, somen or capellini noodles

Dressing

  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup, plus more to taste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce, plus more to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon avocado, grapeseed or canola oil
  • Coarse kosher salt or fine sea salt (about 1/2 teaspoon for zucchini, plus more for seasoning)
  • 1/2 cup cubed ice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the zucchini: Trim off the tips of the zucchini, then halve lengthwise and slice into 1/3-inch half moons. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt directly on the cutting board, toss to combine, and let sit for at least 10 minutes, up to 30 minutes, to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Cook the noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool to the touch. Transfer to an individual serving bowl.
  3. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, fish sauce, and garlic powder. Set aside.
  4. Cook the zucchini: Pat the zucchini dry. Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot and begins to smoke slightly, arrange the zucchini slices in an even layer and season with salt. Cook undisturbed until browned on one side, about 1 to 2 minutes, then flip and cook until tender-crisp, about 1 minute more.
  5. Cool the zucchini: Transfer the zucchini to the bowl with the dressing. Add the cubed ice, then quickly toss a few times until the zucchini is cool. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if needed. The dressing should be boldly salty as the melting ice and later the noodles will dilute it.
  6. Combine and serve: Pour the zucchini and dressing over the noodles. Spritz with lemon or lime juice, top with sliced scallions, and serve immediately. Adjust flavors with additional maple syrup, soy sauce, or fish sauce as desired while eating.

Notes

  • Letting the zucchini sit with salt helps remove excess moisture, preventing a watery dish.
  • Use noodles like ramen, somen, or capellini for best texture and cooling.
  • The ice cubes cool the zucchini quickly and mellow the bold dressing flavors.
  • Adjust seasoning and sweetness to taste, especially since the dressing will be diluted by ice and noodles.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh crispness of the zucchini and noodles.

Keywords: Cold noodles, zucchini, Asian noodles, savory dressing, quick healthy recipe, summer noodles

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/cold-noodles-with-zucchini-recipe/