Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame
A quick and light stir fry with spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a savory garlic sesame sauce, perfect for a low-carb meal. This asian-inspired low carb (low carb, vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes pairs sesame oil, garlic cloves, minced, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
- Step 2: Add the noodles from 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet. Toss and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and sprinkle 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats the noodles and heats through.
- Step 4: Season with 1/4 tsp salt, then remove from heat. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sesame oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Garlic and Sesame low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
