Sweet Potato Noodles

Looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional pasta? Look no further than sweet potato noodles! This vibrant and versatile dish is incredibly easy to make and can be ready in minutes. My recipe caters to both recipe followers and those seeking information about sweet potato noodles. The secret ingredient? A touch of smoked paprika and garlic powder that transforms the flavor. Read on to discover how to make the best sweet potato noodles, learn about different cooking methods, and get inspired with serving ideas!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Noodles Recipe

This isn’t just another sweet potato noodle recipe. It’s a flavor explosion in a bowl!

Unique Twist: The addition of smoked paprika and garlic powder brings a delightful roasted sweet potato flavor to the dish, making it irresistible.

Savory Depth: The smoked paprika and garlic powder enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, adding a savory depth that makes these noodles incredibly versatile. They’re perfect with almost any sauce!

Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal option.

Healthy and Nutritious: Sweet potato noodles are a fantastic gluten-free and paleo-friendly alternative to regular pasta. They’re packed with nutrients, including beta-carotene and fiber.

Customizable: Easily customize this recipe with your favorite sauces, toppings, and protein sources.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (see notes for size)
• pinch of kosher salt

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for its superior flavor and health benefits. The fruity notes of the olive oil complement the sweet potatoes beautifully. You can also experiment with avocado oil or coconut oil.

Dietary Considerations: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and vegetarian, making it a great option for various dietary needs.

Allium Sensitivity: If you have an allium sensitivity, simply omit the garlic powder or substitute it with a pinch of asafoetida for a similar savory depth.

Sweet Potato Size: Aim for medium sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking. Smaller sweet potatoes will cook faster, while larger ones may take longer.

How to Make Sweet Potato Noodles

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create perfect sweet potato noodles every time.

Step 1: Spiralizing the Sweet Potatoes

Use your spiralizer to spiralize the sweet potatoes into noodle shapes. I use a hand-held spiralizer in my kitchen, which can be slightly difficult to use for a dense sweet potato. Apply steady pressure and rotate the sweet potato to create even noodles.

If you don’t own a spiralizer, you may use a julienne peeler to create sweet potato noodles. Hold the potato in one hand and slowly pull the julienne peeler down the potato with your other hand. Repeat this process until the entire sweet potato is “peeled”. NOTE: using a julienne peeler is a tedious process, but it can be done.

Step 2: Cooking the Sweet Potato Noodles

Place 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil in a 10-inch skillet (I used cast iron, but you may use stainless steel) and heat over medium-high heat. Add the spiralized sweet potatoes and toss with tongs to coat with the olive oil. I love the way the cast iron evenly cooks the sweet potato noodles.

Continue to toss with the tongs every few seconds to prevent the potatoes from burning or becoming stuck on the bottom of the skillet. Sauté for 5-10 minutes, until the noodles begin to soften and slightly caramelize. The cooking time will depend on your preferred texture of the noodles. If you love a little crunch, cook for 5 minutes. If you prefer softer noodles, cook for 10. Sample a noodle to find out if it’s reached your preferred texture.

Step 3: Serving

Once the noodles are done cooking, remove from heat and serve directly from the skillet or in serving bowls with whichever sauces or topping you prefer. The aroma is simply divine!

Cooking Methods

There are several ways to cook sweet potato noodles, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

Sautéing

Sautéing is my preferred method for cooking sweet potato noodles. Use a 10-inch skillet, preferably nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the noodles frequently to prevent burning, and cook until they reach your desired texture. I like a bit of char!

Baking

To bake sweet potato noodles, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the noodles with olive oil and your seasonings. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender.

Air Frying

Air frying is an excellent option for crispy sweet potato noodles. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Toss the noodles with olive oil and seasonings, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.

Steaming

For softer sweet potato noodles, steaming is the way to go. Place the noodles in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Here are some tips to ensure your sweet potato noodles turn out perfectly every time.

Pro Tips

• Choose sweet potatoes similar in circumference to zucchini for easier spiralizing.
• Pat the sweet potato noodles dry before cooking to prevent sogginess.
• Use a generous amount of olive oil and a quality nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet.
• Taste the noodles before removing them from heat and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Don’t skip the smoked paprika and garlic powder for the best flavor – it’s my signature twist!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong size sweet potato.
• Not drying the noodles before cooking.
• Skipping the oil or using the wrong pan.
• Overcrowding the skillet.
• Overcooking the noodles until mushy.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust the seasonings.

Serving & Storage

Sweet potato noodles are incredibly versatile. Get creative with your serving ideas!

Serving Ideas

• As a pasta swap: marinara or tomato basil sauce, pesto with toasted pine nuts, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
• As a breakfast skillet base: a fried or poached egg, sliced avocado, crumbled bacon or turkey sausage, a sprinkle of goat cheese or feta.
• In grain-free bowls or stir-fries: a handful of sautéed greens like spinach or kale, cooked ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken, a drizzle of tahini, peanut sauce, or even chipotle mayo.
• Pair with lentil-based sauces for a vegan option, enhancing the nutritional profile.

If you’re looking for a complete meal, consider pairing these noodles with a hearty soup. For instance, this creamy vegetable soup would be a great choice.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Store cooked sweet potato noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent them from sticking together, toss them with a little olive oil before storing. I don’t recommend freezing cooked sweet potato noodles as they tend to become mushy upon thawing.

To reheat, sauté the noodles in a skillet with a little olive oil until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook them.

Conclusion

This sweet potato noodles recipe is a winner because it’s quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious. The smoked paprika and garlic powder twist elevates the flavor, making it a versatile base for countless meals. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite sauces and toppings to create your own signature dish. If you loved this, explore other sweet potato recipes on my blog!

Before you go, why not try another easy recipe? This potato curry is another quick and flavorful dish!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about sweet potato noodles.

Do you need to peel sweet potatoes before spiralizing?

While you don’t *have* to, I recommend peeling sweet potatoes before spiralizing for a smoother texture and cleaner look. However, leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients.

How do you keep sweet potato noodles from getting soggy?

The key to preventing soggy sweet potato noodles is to pat them dry before cooking. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet and don’t overcook them.

What’s the best spiralizer for sweet potatoes?

A spiralizer with a strong blade and sturdy construction is ideal. I use a handheld, but a countertop model might be easier for sweet potatoes. Electric spiralizers are another great option, especially if you make sweet potato noodles frequently. To learn more, here’s how to spiralize vegetables.

How long do sweet potato noodles last in the fridge?

Cooked sweet potato noodles will last in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I bake sweet potato noodles instead of sautéing them?

Yes, you can bake them! Toss with olive oil and seasonings, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What are the best sauces to pair with sweet potato noodles?

Sweet potato noodles are versatile and pair well with a variety of sauces, including marinara, pesto, creamy garlic Parmesan, tahini, and peanut sauce.

Looking for a flavorful sauce to elevate your sweet potato noodles? Consider making this vegan basil pesto. It’s easy to make and adds a burst of fresh flavor.

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