How to Freeze Zucchini: The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Zucchini Noodles, Slices, and Shreds Recipe

Introduction

Freezing zucchini is a fantastic way to preserve its freshness and enjoy it year-round. Whether you prefer noodles, slices, or shredded zucchini, freezing it properly helps maintain its texture and flavor for later use.

Ingredients

• 2 zucchini

Instructions

1. For Zucchini Noodles: Cut off one end of the zucchini and spiralize it into noodles.
2. Bring a pot of water to a rapid boil. Place the zucchini noodles into the boiling water for 1 minute.
3. Remove the noodles and immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
4. Spread the zucchini noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until completely solid.
5. Transfer the frozen noodles to a sealed bag or airtight container and store in the freezer until ready to use.
6. For Sliced Zucchini: Slice the zucchini into even ¼-inch rounds.
7. Place the sliced zucchini into rapidly boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to an ice bath.
8. Spread the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
9. Transfer the frozen slices to a sealed bag or airtight container and store in the freezer.
10. For Shredded Zucchini: Shred the zucchini using a medium grater.
11. Place the shredded zucchini in the center of a dish towel, wrap it up, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
12. Spread the shredded zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
13. Transfer the frozen shredded zucchini to a sealed bag or airtight container for freezer storage.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure to remove excess moisture from shredded zucchini to prevent freezer ice crystals and sogginess when thawed.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking during the initial freezing step.
• Try seasoning zucchini noodles or slices before freezing if you plan to cook and serve them quickly after thawing.

Storage

Keep all frozen zucchini varieties in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Frozen zucchini stays best for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator or add directly to cooked dishes like soups, stews, or sautés.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to blanch zucchini before freezing?

Yes, blanching by briefly boiling and then shocking in ice water helps preserve zucchini’s color, texture, and flavor when freezing.

Can I freeze zucchini without spiralizing or shredding?

Absolutely. You can freeze zucchini whole by slicing it into rounds or leave it spiralized or shredded, depending on how you plan to use it later.

How to Freeze Zucchini: The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Zucchini Noodles, Slices, and Shreds Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.7 from 123 reviews

Learn how to properly freeze zucchini in three different forms: noodles, sliced rounds, and shredded. This guide includes blanching techniques and freezing tips to preserve the zucchini’s freshness and texture, making it convenient to use later in your favorite recipes.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including freezing time)
• Yield: Freezes approximately 2 medium zucchinis in noodle, sliced, or shredded forms 1x
• Category: Freezing & Preserving
• Method: Blanching and Freezing
• Cuisine: Universal
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Zucchini

• 2 zucchini, fresh

Instructions

1. Prepare Zucchini Noodles: Cut off one end of the zucchini and spiralize it into noodles.
2. Blanch Zucchini Noodles: Place the zucchini noodles into rapidly boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately remove them and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
3. Freeze Noodles: Spread the blanched noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours or until completely solid.
4. Store Noodles: Transfer the frozen noodles to a sealed bag or airtight container and keep them frozen until ready to use.
5. Prepare Sliced Zucchini: Slice zucchini into even ¼-inch rounds.
6. Blanch Slices: Place sliced zucchini into rapidly boiling water for 1 minute, then remove and transfer to an ice bath.
7. Freeze Slices: Spread sliced zucchini on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
8. Store Slices: Transfer frozen slices to a sealed bag or airtight container for freezing storage.
9. Prepare Shredded Zucchini: Shred zucchini using a medium grater.
10. Drain Excess Liquid: Place shredded zucchini in the center of a dish towel, wrap it, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to prevent freezer burn and ice crystals.
11. Freeze Shredded Zucchini: Spread shredded zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
12. Store Shredded Zucchini: Transfer the frozen shredded zucchini into a sealed bag or airtight container and freeze until needed.

Notes

• Blanching the zucchini briefly helps preserve its texture and color when frozen.
• Freezing in a single layer prevents sticking and allows for easy portioning.
• Removing excess moisture from shredded zucchini prevents ice crystals and sogginess upon thawing.
• Use airtight freezer bags or containers to avoid freezer burn.
• Frozen zucchini is best used within 3-6 months for optimal quality.

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