Celeriac noodles offer a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. These spiralized strands made from celery root provide a unique flavor and texture to dishes while keeping calorie counts in check. Incorporating celeriac noodles into meal prep routines can help maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing taste or variety.
Meal prepping with celeriac noodles allows for quick and easy weeknight dinners or grab-and-go lunches. By preparing these versatile noodles in advance, individuals can save time and ensure they have nutritious options readily available. This article explores seven delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of celeriac noodles in meal preparation.
1) Celeriac Noodles with Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Celeriac noodles offer a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, pairing perfectly with succulent lemon garlic shrimp. This dish combines the earthy flavor of celeriac with the bright, zesty notes of lemon and garlic.
To prepare the celeriac noodles, one can use a spiralizer or julienne peeler to create long, noodle-like strands. These noodles are then lightly sautéed in olive oil or butter until tender yet still slightly crisp.
For the shrimp, a quick sauté in a pan with minced garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and a touch of red pepper flakes creates a flavorful protein component. The shrimp should be cooked until pink and just opaque.
Combining the celeriac noodles with the lemon garlic shrimp results in a light, refreshing meal that’s ideal for meal prep. The dish can be portioned into containers and reheated throughout the week for quick, nutritious lunches or dinners.
This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Celeriac is rich in fiber and antioxidants, while shrimp provides lean protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids.
2) Spicy Celeriac Noodle Stir-Fry
This flavorful dish combines the unique texture of celeriac noodles with a spicy kick. To prepare, spiralize a medium-sized celeriac into noodle-like strands.
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, stirring until fragrant. Toss in sliced bell peppers and carrots, cooking until slightly tender.
Add the celeriac noodles to the pan, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in a sauce made from soy sauce, sriracha, and a touch of maple syrup for balance.
Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and freshness.
This spicy celeriac noodle stir-fry is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an excellent option for quick and healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
3) Celeriac Noodle Alfredo
Celeriac noodle Alfredo offers a low-carb twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. This recipe combines spiralized celeriac with a creamy sauce for a comforting meal prep option.
To prepare, spiralize a peeled celeriac root to create noodle-like strands. Briefly boil or sauté the celeriac noodles until tender yet still firm.
The Alfredo sauce typically consists of heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Melt butter in a pan, add the garlic, and cook until fragrant. Pour in the cream and simmer until it thickens slightly.
Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the celeriac noodles with the sauce until evenly coated.
For meal prep, store the noodles and sauce separately. Reheat and combine when ready to eat. This dish provides a satisfying, creamy texture while keeping carbohydrates low.
4) Celeriac Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes
Celeriac noodles offer a light and refreshing alternative to traditional pasta in this vibrant dish. Spiralized celeriac creates delicate strands that pair beautifully with the bright flavors of pesto and cherry tomatoes.
To prepare, spiralize a fresh celeriac root to create noodle-like strands. Lightly sauté the celeriac noodles in a pan until they reach desired tenderness, typically 3-5 minutes.
In a separate pan, gently cook halved cherry tomatoes until they begin to soften and release their juices. This creates a light, fresh-tasting sauce that complements the pesto.
Toss the cooked celeriac noodles with prepared pesto sauce, coating them evenly. Add the warm cherry tomatoes and their juices to the noodles, mixing gently to combine.
This meal prep recipe is perfect for those seeking a gluten-free, low-carb option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The dish can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it versatile for various meal times.
Store portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently if desired, or enjoy straight from the fridge for a refreshing meal.
5) Thai Peanut Celeriac Noodles
This flavorful dish combines the low-carb goodness of celeriac noodles with the rich taste of Thai peanut sauce. It’s a perfect meal prep option for those seeking a nutritious and satisfying lunch or dinner.
To prepare, spiralize celeriac into noodle-like strands. Blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften slightly, then drain and set aside.
The peanut sauce is the star of this recipe. Mix creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Add a touch of sriracha for heat if desired.
Toss the celeriac noodles with the peanut sauce until well-coated. For added protein, include cooked chicken breast or tofu cubes.
Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sliced green onions. This adds texture and fresh flavors to the dish.
Store portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and intensify over time, making this an excellent make-ahead meal.
6) Creamy Mushroom and Celeriac Noodles
This comforting dish combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the subtle taste of celeriac noodles. The creamy sauce envelops the ingredients, creating a satisfying meal perfect for cooler days.
To prepare, spiralize a medium-sized celeriac to create noodles. Sauté a variety of mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster, in a pan until golden brown.
In a separate pan, create a creamy sauce using plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and garlic. This mixture provides a rich, dairy-free alternative to traditional cream-based sauces.
Combine the sautéed mushrooms with the celeriac noodles and pour the creamy sauce over the top. Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure even coating.
For added flavor and texture, consider incorporating caramelized onions or roasted garlic. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the dish further.
This meal prep recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of plant milk to maintain the creamy consistency.
7) Celeriac Noodle Salad with Sesame Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the crisp texture of celeriac noodles with a flavorful sesame dressing. To prepare the noodles, peel and spiralize a fresh celeriac root. Blanch the noodles briefly in boiling water, then plunge them into ice water to retain their crunch.
For the sesame dressing, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat if desired.
Toss the cooled celeriac noodles with thinly sliced cucumber, bell peppers, and shredded carrots. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and mix well to coat evenly.
Garnish the salad with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an excellent meal prep option.
Serve the celeriac noodle salad chilled as a light lunch or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal.
Health Benefits of Celeriac Noodles
Celeriac noodles offer a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. They provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber while supporting digestive health.
Nutritional Profile
Celeriac noodles are rich in vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in blood clotting and bone health. They also contain significant amounts of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
These noodles are an excellent source of phosphorus, important for strong bones and teeth. Celeriac noodles are low in calories, with about 65.5 calories per cup of raw celeriac.
The high fiber content in celeriac noodles helps promote feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management. They also provide small amounts of other essential nutrients like potassium and manganese.
Digestive Advantages
Celeriac noodles are high in dietary fiber, which supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. This fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a balanced microbiome.
The low carbohydrate content of celeriac noodles makes them suitable for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. They can help stabilize blood sugar levels, making them a good choice for people with diabetes or those managing their glucose intake.
Celeriac noodles are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. They provide a satisfying pasta alternative without the digestive discomfort some may experience from wheat-based noodles.
Cooking Techniques for Celeriac Noodles
Celeriac noodles offer versatility in cooking methods. They can be prepared quickly through boiling or blanching, or sautéed for enhanced flavor. Each technique brings out unique qualities in the noodles.
Boiling and Blanching
Boiling celeriac noodles is a straightforward process. Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add the spiralized celeriac and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain immediately to prevent overcooking.
Blanching offers a crisp texture. Prepare an ice bath alongside the boiling water. Submerge the noodles in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Quickly transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. This method preserves crunchiness and nutrients.
Sautéing for Flavor
Sautéing celeriac noodles enhances their taste profile. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
For extra flavor, sauté garlic or shallots before adding the noodles. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This method creates a warm, comforting dish with a slight caramelized taste.