Zucchini Noodle Bowls Sesame Ginger (Printable)
Light zucchini noodle bowls with sesame-ginger dressing, vibrant vegetables, and protein options for a nourishing meal.
# List of ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 - 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
02 - 1 large carrot, julienned
03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
05 - 2 scallions, sliced
06 - 1 cup cooked and shelled edamame
→ Protein
07 - 14 ounces firm tofu, cubed (vegetarian option)
08 - 14 ounces cooked chicken breast, sliced (alternative option)
→ Dressing
09 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
10 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
11 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
12 - 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced
15 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
16 - 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
→ Garnishes
17 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
19 - 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped (optional)
20 - Lime wedges, for serving
# Steps:
01 - Spiralize zucchinis and arrange in a large mixing bowl. Use paper towels to blot excess moisture.
02 - Add carrot, bell pepper, shredded cabbage, scallions, and edamame to zucchini noodles.
03 - For tofu: press and cube, then pan-sear over medium heat with oil until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. For chicken: slice cooked breast into strips.
04 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and sriracha in a small bowl until well combined.
05 - Drizzle dressing over vegetables and gently toss to coat evenly.
06 - Portion noodles and vegetables into four bowls and top with tofu or chicken.
07 - Sprinkle bowls with sesame seeds, cilantro, and nuts if desired. Serve lime wedges alongside.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Uses plenty of colorful vegetables you likely have on hand
- Ready in just half an hour great for busy nights
- Customizable with chicken tofu or even more veggies for endless variety
- Gluten-free and low carb for lighter eating
02 -
- Loaded with vitamins and fiber for a satisfying meal
- Stays gluten free with tamari and plant protein
- Works beautifully as a meal prep option for lunch the next day
- Zucchini noodles hold up better than you might think especially when dried well at the start. For me the toasted sesame oil in the dressing is magic it reminds me of meals in family restaurants as a kid when those nutty flavors made every vegetable ten times better.
03 -
- Always dry zucchini noodles to avoid a watery bowl I learned this the hard way after early soggy attempts.
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute until fragrant it makes a difference. Use a microplane for grating ginger right into the dressing for even flavor distribution.