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How to Cook Zucchini, 4 Ways

Cooked correctly, zucchini opens up a bright, bold world of mouthwatering flavor. This garden-fresh glory has the power to take on tons of flavor, playing a leading role in primavera pastas, hearty casseroles and even moist chocolate cake. Don’t believe me? Check out our most-loved zucchini recipes and zucchini recipes that have earned 5 stars.

But what’s the secret to cooking up a great-tasting storm of summer squash? Taste of Home Test Cook Matthew Haas gives his expert tips for how to cook zucchini, whether it’s on the stove, grill, air-fryer or in the oven.

How to Cook Zucchini On the Stove

Need to cook your zucchini quick? A skillet on the stovetop is the way to go. Sauteed zucchini works well in pasta dishes and stir-fries.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Step 1: Saute the zucchini

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Add oil and butter into a large skillet over medium heat. (We’re partial to this skillet from our new line of cookware.) Then pile in the zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender.

Test Kitchen tip: You can use oil, butter or a combination of the two. Note that butter has a lower smoke point than most oils, so it may burn faster under high heat.

Step 2: Add the seasonings

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Add in the minced garlic, salt and pepper. Stir for a minute longer, then remove from heat and serve.

Test Kitchen tip: Keep a careful eye on the garlic as it can burn rather quickly. Try to pull the skillet off the stove as soon as you see the garlic start to turn brown.

How to Cook Zucchini In the Oven

An oven bake gives zucchini an extra-crisp texture, perfect when you want to make a savory, stand-alone side. Although, there are so many ways to bake with zucchini if you’d like incorporate it into a recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into ½-inch slices (they can also be quartered lengthwise, then halved crosswise for zucchini “fries”)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano, salt and pepper
  • Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini

In a medium-sized bowl, coat the zucchini in melted butter. Add in the oregano, salt and pepper and give a toss to coat.

Step 2: Arrange and add cheese

On a greased baking sheet, arrange a single layer of zucchini rounds. Next, give the zukes a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese—seriously, add on as much as you please.

Test Kitchen tip: For even cooking, make sure the zucchini is spread evenly and no pieces are overlapping one another.

Step 3: Get baking

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Crank the oven up to 350°F and bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know the dish is done when the zucchini turns golden brown.

Test Kitchen tip: If you’re in the mood for roasted zucchini, bump up the oven to 425°. This gives the zucchini a richer, deeper brown and preserves some of the vegetable’s crisp texture. Keep an eye on the oven though, to ensure your veggies don’t burn.

How to Cook Zucchini on the Grill

Ready to get fired up? Grilled zucchini is an easy side for your next backyard cookout. (Just like these barbecue side dish recipes!)

Ingredients

  • 6 small zucchini, halved
  • 1 tablespoon oil

Step 1: Add oil

In a small dish, drizzle the zucchini with oil.

Test Kitchen tip: The oil helps prevent the zucchini from sticking—no need to grease the grill rack!

Step 2: Grill, flip and grill some more

Get grilling. Fire up the grill to medium heat, then place the zucchini on the grates. Grill, covered, for 4-5 minutes. Then carefully flip the zucchini using a pair of long-handled tongs. Grill for 4-5 minutes longer. Remove your veg and serve alongside some hearty burgers and brats.

How to Cook Zucchini in the Air Fryer

The Air Fryer Is A Kitchen Appliances For Cooks By Hot Air

Looking for a the fastest way to make perfectly golden zucchini slices? The air-fryer is the answer. Thicker slices will be crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Thin slices will be more crisp throughout.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch slices
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • pepper

Step 1: Prep the zucchini

In a large bowl, toss zucchini with salt. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer on paper towels or clean kitchen towels. Let stand 10 minutes then pat dry.

Add zucchini back to the bowl; toss in oil. Add Parmesan, salt and pepper; toss to coat. The cheese helps to crisp up the outside of the zucchini slices and adds that can’t-stop-eating-them delicious flavor; but it can be omitted.

Test Kitchen tip: If you prefer breaded slices, dip zucchini in lightly beaten egg, then coat in seasoned bread crumbs (we prefer panko!) instead of tossing with oil.

Step 2: Prep the air-fryer

Preheat the air-fryer to 400. Coat the air-fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange zucchini slices in a single layer in the basket (you’ll likely have to cook multiple batches).

Step 3: Cook to (your) perfection

Cook until golden brown, 10-15 minutes, turning once. If you prefer the slices as crisp as you can get them, you’ll want to cook a little longer (don’t be afraid to taste-test while cooking to find your perfect doneness).

Test Kitchen tip: Zucchini holds a lot of water. Salting and letting the slices stand will help draw the moisture out to make crisper slices (don’t forget to pat dry!). It’s an extra step, but will help create crisp, dip-able slices. Keep in mind that these won’t get potato chip-crisp, but the outside of the slices will have a little crunch that makes them perfectly snackable.

Tips for Cooking Zucchini

Select the Right Squash

Whether you plan on purchasing zucchini from the farmers market or corner store, the best flavor comes from the freshest ingredients. Look for zucchini that’s firm to the touch and has smooth, blemish-free skin. Beware of large, super-sized zucchini, as they can have bland flavor and woody texture. Experiment with different varieties like yellow zucchini, pattypan and Eight Ball squash—they all cook up the same way as the usual zucchini.

Test Kitchen tip: To save time, skip the peeler. Zucchini skin is safe to eat and almost flavorless. Just be sure to give the veggies a thorough rinse before chopping.

Oil ’em Up

If you plan to prepare your zucchini using some form of heat, your best bet is to toss them in oil before you begin. In most cases, olive oil, butter or vegetable oil will work fine. A thin layer of oil helps zucchini cook for a host of reasons: It prevents zucchini from sticking to your cooking tools, it speeds up browning and it helps seasonings stick.

Go Crazy with Flavors

Speaking of seasonings, due to its mild flavor, zucchini makes a great base for piling on herbs and spices. Test out flavors from your spice rack like basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary and garlic as you cook. Prefer it plain? A dash of salt and pepper is all it takes to help a zucchini’s natural flavors shine.

Test Kitchen tip: Use a sprinkle of smoked paprika and cayenne for a smoky, spicy kick.

Make Sure It Doesn’t Get Soggy

Since zucchini has such a high water content, it’s easy for it to get soggy during cooking. That’s why Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor, recommends you salt your zucchini, let it stand, and pat dry the slices before it’s cooked to draw out some of the water.

Zucchini also gets crispier under higher heat, so try a grilled or broiled zucchini recipe for optimal crunch.

Know the Healthiest Ways to Eat Zucchini

Skipping the oil and cheese is going to be the healthiest way to enjoy zucchini. Luckily, we have an air-fryer zucchini recipe that doesn’t use oil if you’re trying to cut calories.

Substituting zucchini into other recipes can also make your meals a lot healthier, too. Make pasta dishes a lot less carb-heavy by using spiralized zucchini (aka zoodles) instead of regular pasta. Slip zucchini into baked goods for some additional nutrients—and if you grate the zucchini beforehand you might not even notice it’s there.

Did you know you can eat zucchini flowers, too? They’re full of vitamins and minerals, and there are lots of ways to cook with them, whether you stuff or fry them.

When you’re making your next meal plan, make room for a few of our best zucchini recipes, or go for easy zucchini recipes that take 30 minutes or less.

Check Out Our Favorite Zucchini Recipes
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Sweet & Sour Squash Salad

This salad goes over really well with all ages, and it's a good way to get kids to eat summer squash. —Opal Shipman Levelland, Texas
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Blueberry Zucchini Squares

I saw a bar recipe on a box of muffin mix using apple and lemon zest. I tried it from scratch with shredded zucchini and fresh blueberries instead. It’s a tasty combo. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Zucchini Mushroom Bake

Zucchini Mushroom Bake

Just a 10-minute prep dresses up my garden-fresh zucchini, adding mushrooms, onion, cheddar and a sprinkle of basil. —Jacquelyn Smith, Carmel, Maine
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Stovetop Tarragon Chicken

My oldest daughter can't get enough of the tarragon sauce. She uses biscuits to soak up every scrumptious drop. My husband and I like it over mashed potatoes. —Tina Westover, La Mesa, California
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Sausage Potato Supper

One Saturday night a few years ago, I came up with this dish on the spur of the moment. It was dinnertime, and I had to use what I had on hand. It's been a hit with my family ever since. —Nancy Russell, Englewood, Colorado
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Soft Zucchini Spice Cookies

These cookies are fantastic. They don't last very long at my house. Why don't you see how long they will last at yours? —Mili Seemar, Chatham, New Jersey
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Cheesy Vegetable Egg Dish

I'm a cook at a Bible camp, and this is one of my most popular recipes. Everyone who tries it raves about it. The one that touched me the most was when a 10-year-old boy asked me for the recipe so he could have his mom make it at home. —Elsie Campbell, Dulzura, California
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Zucchini & Sausage Stovetop Casserole

Gather zucchini from your garden or farmers market and start cooking. My family goes wild for this wholesome casserole. You can grate the zucchini if you'd like. —LeAnn Gray, Taylorsville, Utah
Dilly Zucchini Casserole

Dilly Zucchini Casserole

Whenever I take this timesaving side-dish casserole to a potluck, I seldom bring any home, and folks often ask for the recipe. If I have fresh dill, I'll substitute a couple tablespoons for the dill weed. —Esther Kilborn, Bridgton, Maine
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Italian Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini

I've always had to be creative when getting my family to eat vegetables, so I decided to make stuffed zucchini using the pizza flavors that everyone loves. It worked! We like to include sausage for a main dish but it could be a meatless side dish, too. —Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts
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Zucchini Pancakes

These Zucchini Pancakes are a tasty change of pace from ordinary potato pancakes. Add a little shredded onion to give them a savory kick. —Charlotte Goldberg, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania
Hearty Minestrone Soup

Hearty Minestrone Soup

This fresh-tasting minestrone soup gets its zesty flavor from Italian sausage. When you want to use up your garden bounty of zucchini, try this recipe. If your family likes food extra spicy, use hot bulk Italian sausage instead. —Donna Smith, Fairport, New York
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Garden Chickpea Salad

Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
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Italian Garden Frittata

I like to serve this pretty frittata with melon wedges for a delicious breakfast or brunch. —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia
Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad

Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad

Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It's a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
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Zucchini Tomato Casserole

Even people who don’t like zucchini can’t seem to get enough of this full-flavored side dish. I always bring it to our family gatherings and potlucks because it goes well with any entree. —Cathy Johnston, Ranchester, Wyoming
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Southwestern Spaghetti

Chili powder and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice change of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana
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Chicken Verde Quesadillas

I used the corn, peppers and zucchini in my fridge to create these quick and easy quesadillas. Dollop with sour cream and you're good to go. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
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Lemon Zucchini Drops

When we lived on the East Coast, a nearby fruit and vegetable stand had a bakery featuring these soft, cakelike cookies. We missed every bite when we moved away, so I developed this recipe. —Barbara Franklin, Tucson, Arizona

Zucchini and Cheese Casserole

My daughter and I love zucchini, and this casserole uses plenty for a hearty fall side dish. For extra color, I add fresh diced tomatoes. —Rachelle Stratton, Rock Springs, Wyoming
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Parmesan Bow Tie Pasta with Chicken

On lazy summer weekends, we like chicken and yellow squash tossed with bow tie pasta. Add extra fresh grated Parmesan for a Sunday touch. —Sarah Smiley, Bangor, Maine
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Zucchini Salsa

I received this recipe through a friend at a weight loss group. I make at least eight batches of the salsa every year. It's truly a hit with family and friends! —Cheryl Jacobsen, Warburg, Alberta
Skewerless Stovetop Kabobs

Skewerless Stovetop Kabobs

My family loves this quick and easy recipe so much, we never have any leftovers. It's also great on the grill. —Jennifer Mitchell, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce

Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce

Perk up gnocchi and vegetables with a flavorful pesto sauce. If you don't have pine nuts for the topping, skip or substitute any nut you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Zucchini & Cheese Drop Biscuits

These colorful little drop biscuits are very easy to put together and yet are packed full of flavor. I serve them warm out of the oven. —Keith Mesch, Mt. Healthy, Ohio
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Veggie-Packed Strata

This is a wonderful, colorful casserole that everyone enjoys. I'm sure you'll be hooked on it after one bite, too. —Jennifer Unsell, Vance, Alabama
Zucchini Rice Pilaf

Zucchini Rice Pilaf

I created this colorful rice and veggie side dish one night by combining a few ingredients I had on hand. My husband, Robert, loved it and I have been making it ever since.—Lori Blevins, Douglasville, Georgia
Tortellini Bake

Tortellini Bake

One year I had so much summer squash, I was desperate for different ways to prepare it. That's when I came up with this recipe. Serve it as a side dish or on its own as a light meal. —Donald Roberts, Amherst, New Hampshire
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Roasted Vegetable Strata

With the abundance of zucchini my family has in the fall, this is the perfect dish to use some of what we have. Cheesy and rich, the warm, classic breakfast dish is sure to please! —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
Vegetable Frittata

Vegetable Frittata

When you're looking for something healthy in a hurry, you can't beat this veggie-filled frittata cooked in a cast-iron skillet. —Janet Eckhoff, Woodland, California
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Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables

Grilled Sausages with Summer Vegetables

After 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar at a potluck. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Fiesta Chopped Salad

Fiesta Chopped Salad

"We serve this colorful garden feast when we find vegetables that are bursting with flavor," writes Merwyn Garbini from her home in Tuscon, Arizona. The dressing makes the fresh salad a welcome companion for most any entree.
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Vegetable Strata

We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington
Grilled Vegetable Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

My Italian-style grilled veggies have a wonderful sweet and sour dressing. Best of all, I pick the fresh veggies and herbs from my garden. —Laura Mast, Defiance, Ohio
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Thai Scallop Saute

Just open a bottle of Thai peanut sauce to give this seafood stir-fry some serious authenticity. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Beef & Bulgur-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

My mom frequently cooked the giant zucchini that she grew in her garden. I adapted this recipe from one of her favorite weeknight meals. Though I love the taste of fresh-picked zucchini, the ones I've bought from the grocery store work great, too.—Susan Peterson, Blaine, Minnesota.
Arugula Pesto Chicken

Arugula Pesto Chicken

We had an abundance of arugula in our garden, so I turned it into pesto. The bold green color reminds my son of something the Incredible Hulk would eat. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
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Balsamic Zucchini Saute

This super fast vegetarian dish is flavorful and uses only a few ingredients, so it’s easy to whip up while your entree is cooking. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington
Skillet Zucchini and Sausage

Skillet Zucchini and Sausage

I lived on the Oregon coast for 20 years and had plenty of guests dropping by. I often turned to this quick and easy dish, serving it up with skillet cornbread or garlic bread. Judging by the requests for the recipe, everyone loved it! —LaBelle Doster, Vancouver, Washington
Grilled Garden Veggie Pizza

Grilled Garden Veggie Pizza

Pile on the veggies—this crisp, grilled crust can take it! This colorful, healthy pizza looks as fresh as it tastes. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
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Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls

Growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo for extra pop. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Turkey Sausage Zucchini Boats

Turkey Sausage Zucchini Boats

When I worked in the school library, my co-workers were my taste testers. They approved this healthy and happy spin on stuffed zucchini. —Stephanie Cotterman, West Alexandria, Ohio
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Garlic-Grilled Chicken with Pesto Zucchini Ribbons

The first time I substituted zucchini noodles for regular pasta, it was because I was trying to reduce carbohydrates and calories. Now I make them because we love the flavor and texture they bring to dishes. This dish is just as delicious if you substitute shrimp for the chicken. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Farmers Market Orzo Salad

Farmers Market Orzo Salad

Orzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Mediterranean Turkey Skillet

I've always heard that it’s important to eat a rainbow of colors to get all of the nutrients we need. Thanks to my garden-grown veggies, this dish certainly fits the bill. —Nicole Ehlert, Burlington, Wisconsin
Sauteed Squash with Tomatoes & Onions

Sauteed Squash with Tomatoes & Onions

My favorite meals show a love of family and food. This zucchini dish with tomatoes is like a scaled-down ratatouille. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Zucchini, cucumbers and carrots are peeled into “ribbons” for this citrusy salad. We like to serve it for parties and special occasions. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Veggie Omelet with Goat Cheese

Veggie Omelet with Goat Cheese

My family eats a lot of vegetables so I'll set some aside at dinner to use in an omelet the next day. This cuts prep time in half! I like the versatility of this recipe because it can be made with whatever veggies and cheeses you have. —Lynne Keast, Monte Sereno, California
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Zucchini & Cheese Roulades

My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Dark Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Dark Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

A colleague brought this in one day for someone’s birthday. I grow zucchini in my garden so I had a lot of opportunities to experiment with the recipe. My mother-in-law loves it, and not just because it's pretty good for you! —Sally Newton, Smethport, Pennsylvania
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Whole Wheat Veggie Pizza

A wonderful crust layered with herbed tomato sauce and toppings encourages my family of six to dig right in to this low-fat main course. —Denise Warner, Red Lodge, Montana
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Full Garden Frittata

I was cooking for a health-conscious friend and wanted to serve a frittata. To brighten it up, I added leftover bruschetta topping and fresh mozzarella. Now that's breakfast. It's become a favorite among my friends and family, and a staple in my recipe book. —Melissa Rosenthal, Vista, California
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Power Lasagna

When my husband and I wanted to live healthier, our first step was to eat more power foods, such as whole grains, fresh veggies and protein. Combined with our love for Italian food, this tasty lasagna is one of the nutritious results.—Jennifer Yaden, Richmond, Kentucky

The post How to Cook Zucchini, 4 Ways appeared first on Taste of Home.



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