If you’re looking for a way to enjoy tender, juicy carnitas with a low-carb twist, this Carnitas Zucchini Noodles recipe is the answer. Combining the savory flavors of shredded carnitas with the crisp texture of zucchini noodles creates a satisfying and delicious dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Why Choose Zucchini Noodles?
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a popular alternative to traditional pasta for anyone following a low-carb or gluten free lifestyle. They’re light, versatile, and an excellent way to increase your vegetable intake (yes, I am a mom). When paired with savory, slow-cooked carnitas, the result is a dish that is rich in flavor yet light enough to enjoy any time of day.
What to Eat with Carnitas Zucchini Noodles
Carnitas Zucchini Noodles can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with a side. Here are some suggestions for serving:
- Dinner Roll: Enjoy a keto dinner roll along side these carnitas zucchini noodles. You can thank me later!
- Guacamole or Avocado Slices: The creamy, rich texture of avocado adds a satisfying contrast to the slight crunch of zucchini noodles.
- Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette can add a refreshing element to balance out the rich flavors.
- Mexican Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative to traditional rice pairs perfectly with carnitas and zucchini noodles, creating a balanced and delicious meal.
Substitutions
There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your needs. If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or prefer different flavors, try one of these simple swaps. They’ll help you achieve a similar texture and taste without compromising on quality.
- Carnitas: If you don’t have homemade carnitas on hand, shredded chicken or beef will work just as well. You can also use pre-cooked pork shoulder to create a similar texture and flavor.
- Sour Cream: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute sour cream with a dairy-free option like coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your liking or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile.
How to Make Zucchini Noodles
Creating zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” is easy with a spiralizer. Start by washing the zucchini thoroughly and trimming off both ends. If you prefer, you can peel the skin off, but leaving it on provides extra nutrients and a bit of color. Attach the zucchini to the spiralizer and choose your desired noodle shape or thickness.
Slowly turn the handle of the spiralizer (or the zucchini, depending on the style of the spiralizer), applying gentle pressure to create long, spiral strands. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a mandoline to achieve similar results. Once your zoodles are ready, use paper towels to gently pat them dry, removing any excess moisture that could lead to sogginess later on.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles can sometimes become watery when cooked. Here’s how to keep them crisp:
- Cook on High Heat: Quickly stir fry on high heat for just a few minutes to retain their texture.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the noodles while cooking. Overcooking can cause them to become soggy, losing that desirable al dente texture.
- Pat Dry Before Cooking: If you have time, pat the zucchini noodles dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture.
Customizing Your Carnitas Zucchini Noodles
This dish is delicious on its own, but it’s also easy to personalize with a few simple additions. You can change up the protein, add more spice, or even include a cheesy topping. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese like cheddar or queso fresco can add an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.
- Increase the Spice: For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Change the Protein: Switch up the protein with grilled shrimp or seasoned ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Carnitas Zucchini Noodles are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. The combination of fresh zucchini noodles with savory, tender carnitas and a hint of sour cream makes for a delicious meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Carnitas Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs zucchini noodles
- 1 clove garlic chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt to taste
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cooked carnitas
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or butter* for frying
- cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat skillet on high.
- Add avocado oil or butter, then quickly stir fry the garlic until fragrant (15 seconds).
- Add zucchini noodles and stir fry on high for 2 minutes. Sprinkle zucchini noodles with red pepper flakes and salt.
- Add carnitas until fully heated.
- Stir in sour cream. Garnish with cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.