Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A low-carb zucchini noodle stir-fry tossed in a rich, spicy peanut sauce with crunchy vegetables for texture and flavor. This asian-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs zucchini, olive oil, red bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 thinly sliced red bell pepper and 2 chopped green onions to the skillet, stirring for 3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and cook for 2 minutes until just tender, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp natural peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sriracha sauce, and 3 tbsp water until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Pour the peanut sauce over the zucchini noodles and vegetables in the skillet. Toss gently for 1-2 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve garnished with 2 tbsp crushed peanuts and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce?

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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Peanut Sauce keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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