How to Freeze Zucchini: The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Zucchini Noodles, Slices, and Shreds Recipe
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.
- 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
Zucchini
- 2 zucchini, fresh
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini Noodles: Cut off one end of the zucchini and spiralize it into noodles.
- 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.
- Freeze Noodles: Spread the blanched noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours or until completely solid.
- Store Noodles: Transfer the frozen noodles to a sealed bag or airtight container and keep them frozen until ready to use.
- Prepare Sliced Zucchini: Slice zucchini into even ¼-inch rounds.
- Blanch Slices: Place sliced zucchini into rapidly boiling water for 1 minute, then remove and transfer to an ice bath.
- Freeze Slices: Spread sliced zucchini on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
- Store Slices: Transfer frozen slices to a sealed bag or airtight container for freezing storage.
- Prepare Shredded Zucchini: Shred zucchini using a medium grater.
- 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.
- Freeze Shredded Zucchini: Spread shredded zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
- 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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