If you’re looking for a delicious, quick, and easy snack or side dish that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this crispy zucchini recipe. It’s so tasty, you might just forget about meat altogether! With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip up these delightful zucchini sticks in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 100 grams of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 100 grams of breadcrumbs
- 50 grams of flour
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
Preparing the Zucchini
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Slice the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off the ends. Slice the zucchini into sticks or rounds, depending on your preference. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. -
Season the Zucchini:
Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss to coat evenly.
Setting Up the Breading Station
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Prepare the Coatings:
Set up three shallow bowls for breading. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, marjoram, and paprika. -
Coat the Zucchini:
Take each zucchini slice and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well to the zucchini.
Frying the Zucchini
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Heat the Oil:
In a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a small piece of breadcrumb is dropped into it. -
Fry the Zucchini:
Carefully place the breaded zucchini slices into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. -
Drain the Zucchini:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the zucchini slices from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serving
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Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your crispy zucchini while they’re hot. They make a great snack on their own or a perfect side dish to accompany any meal.
Tips for the Best Crispy Zucchini
- Uniform Slices: Ensure that the zucchini slices are of uniform thickness to promote even cooking.
- Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. Too hot, and the zucchini will burn; too cool, and they will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these zucchini slices instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded zucchini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. What can I serve with these crispy zucchini slices?
They are great on their own but also pair well with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic aioli for dipping.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or an air fryer to retain crispiness.
4. Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor profile.
5. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe gluten-free.
This crispy zucchini recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, vegetarian alternative to meat dishes. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these zucchini slices are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and savor the delightful crunch and delicious taste!