Zucchini Noodle Mackerel Carbonara

Zucchini Noodle Mackerel Carbonara

Spiralized zucchini stands in for pasta in this smoky, egg-silky carbonara.

Total 25 min Makes 4 servings Calories 385/serving

Dietary

Pescatarian, Keto, Wheat free, Nut free, Halal

Allergens

Fish, Eggs, Dairy

Smoked mackerel replaces pancetta for a briny twist on classic carbonara, while zucchini noodles keep the dish light and low-carb. A quick toss in a hot skillet wilts the noodles just enough while the egg and cheese mixture turns glossy and rich. It works well as a fast weeknight dinner or a lighter lunch.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 teaspoon salt, for drawing out zucchini moisture
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 ounces smoked mackerel fillets, skin removed and flaked
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested

Method

  1. Place the spiralized zucchini noodles in a colander, toss with salt, and let drain for 15 minutes to release excess moisture.

  2. Pat the zucchini noodles dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

  3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until smooth; set aside.

  4. Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  5. Add the flaked smoked mackerel to the skillet and warm through, stirring gently, about 2 minutes.

  6. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the mackerel and garlic, cooking just until the noodles begin to soften, about 2 minutes.

  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly pour in the egg and Parmesan mixture, tossing continuously with tongs so the residual heat creates a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

  8. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and toss once more to distribute evenly.

  9. Divide among plates and top with chopped parsley and lemon zest before serving immediately.

Rate this recipe

★ 4.5 (1)

Comments

    Log in to comment.

    Zucchini Noodle Mackerel Carbonara

    Smoked mackerel replaces pancetta for a briny twist on classic carbonara, while zucchini noodles keep the dish light and low-carb. A quick toss in a hot skillet wilts the noodles just enough while the egg and cheese mixture turns glossy and rich. It works well as a fast weeknight dinner or a lighter lunch.

    25 min 4 servings 385 cal

    Ingredients

    • 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
    • 1 teaspoon salt, for drawing out zucchini moisture
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 8 ounces smoked mackerel fillets, skin removed and flaked
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 3 large eggs
    • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 lemon, zested

    Method

    1. 1

      Place the spiralized zucchini noodles in a colander, toss with salt, and let drain for 15 minutes to release excess moisture.

    2. 2

      Pat the zucchini noodles dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

    3. 3

      In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until smooth; set aside.

    4. 4

      Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

    5. 5

      Add the flaked smoked mackerel to the skillet and warm through, stirring gently, about 2 minutes.

    6. 6

      Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the mackerel and garlic, cooking just until the noodles begin to soften, about 2 minutes.

    7. 7

      Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly pour in the egg and Parmesan mixture, tossing continuously with tongs so the residual heat creates a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

    8. 8

      Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and toss once more to distribute evenly.

    9. 9

      Divide among plates and top with chopped parsley and lemon zest before serving immediately.