About This Recipe
Zucchini patties are pan-fried vegetable cakes made primarily from grated zucchini combined with binding ingredients. This recipe yields savory patties with a crisp exterior and tender interior. Preparation requires approximately 15 minutes of active time plus 30 minutes for draining, with cooking taking about 10 minutes. The recipe produces 6-8 patties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires only basic kitchen equipment and ingredients
- Effectively utilizes abundant summer zucchini
- Naturally vegetarian and easily adaptable for dietary restrictions
- Provides a vegetable-focused alternative to meat patties
- Suitable as appetizer, side dish, or light main course
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini (approximately 500g total weight)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley or dill)
Step by Step Instructions
- Grate zucchini using the large holes of a box grater. Place in colander.
- Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, toss to distribute, and let drain for 30 minutes.
- Squeeze zucchini firmly by handfuls to remove excess liquid. Transfer to dry bowl.
- Add egg, flour, Parmesan, onion, garlic, pepper, and optional herbs. Mix until combined.
- Heat vegetable oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Form mixture into 6-8 patties (approximately ½ cup mixture each).
- Place patties in skillet without crowding. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer cooked patties to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately.
FAQ
Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes: Arrange patties on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
Why did my patties fall apart?
Insufficient moisture removal or inadequate binding agents. Ensure thorough draining and proper flour-to-zucchini ratio.
Can I add other vegetables?
Finely grated carrots or corn kernels may be added in small quantities (1-2 tablespoons).
You Must Know
- Thorough moisture removal prevents soggy patties
- Patties should be compacted firmly when forming
- Oil must be sufficiently hot before adding patties (test with breadcrumb)
- Resist flipping until edges brown to maintain structural integrity
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cooked patties in airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freezing: Freeze cooked patties in single layer before transferring to freezer bags for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Use oven or toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to maintain crispness
- Do not refrigerate uncooked mixture – prepare immediately after mixing