Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame
A low-carb, keto-friendly stir-fry using spiralized zucchini tossed with garlic and toasted sesame for a quick vegetable-packed meal. This asian-inspired keto (vegetarian, low carb) ready in about 17 minutes pairs sesame oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, soy sauce (or tamari) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 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, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2, thinly sliced green onions
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis and 1/2 tsp salt. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until noodles are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and toss to coat evenly, cooking for another minute until sauce slightly thickens and clings to noodles.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 thinly sliced green onions over the noodles, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (10 min prep + 7 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 Noodles 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 Zucchini Noodles 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 Zucchini Noodles 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 Zucchini Noodles Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
