What to Cook with Zucchini: Fritters, Caviar, Stews and More
Zucchini is summer's most versatile vegetable: mild in taste, quick to cook and at home in almost anything – from fritters and caviar to stews, casseroles and stuffed boats. Here's what to cook with zucchini, sorted by type – on the stovetop, in the oven and even sweet.
In short: young zucchini needn't be peeled – cook them with the skin and seeds. The quickest options are fritters, fried zucchini and rings in batter; for something heartier go for a stew, a casserole or stuffed zucchini. Zucchini also freezes well, so a summer glut is easy to keep for later.
Zucchini fritters and pancakes
The fastest and most popular zucchini dish – grate, squeeze out the juice and fry. Serve with sour cream or a garlic sauce.
Fried zucchini and zucchini in batter
A quick snack: rings in batter or fried with garlic. Ready in 15–20 minutes.
Zucchini caviar
A classic spread for bread and a great way to use up a lot of zucchini at once.
Stews, casseroles and purées
Hearty hot dishes: a vegetable stew, a casserole with minced meat, a smooth purée and a soup.
Stuffed zucchini and dishes with meat
Zucchini pairs beautifully with minced meat and chicken for a full meal.
Sweet, baking and drinks from zucchini
Surprisingly, zucchini also goes into a cake, a pizza base and even a homemade «Fanta» – its mild taste makes it possible.
How to choose and prep zucchini
- Young zucchini (up to 20 cm) have thin skin and small seeds – no need to peel.
- Large ones – peel and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- For fritters, grate the zucchini and squeeze out the juice, or the batter will be runny.
- For frying or grilling, cut into rounds about 1 cm thick.
- A pinch of salt draws out excess water: salt the slices, wait 10 minutes and squeeze.
Storing and freezing zucchini
Fresh zucchini keep in the fridge for 1–2 weeks, young ones a little less. Cooked dishes last 2–3 days. Zucchini freeze well: grate (for fritters) or dice, squeeze out the juice and pack into bags in portions – they keep for 6–9 months and won't release much water when cooked.
❓ Frequently asked questions
What can I cook with zucchini quickly?
The fastest options are fritters, fried zucchini and rings in batter – 15–25 minutes from grater to plate.
Do you need to peel zucchini?
Young ones – no, cook them with skin and seeds. For large zucchini it's better to remove the skin and seeds.
Can you freeze zucchini?
Yes. Grate or dice, squeeze out the juice and freeze in portions – they keep for 6–9 months and are handy for fritters and stews in winter.
What can I make with a big zucchini?
A large zucchini is perfect for stuffed «boats», caviar, stew and fritters – there's plenty of flesh and the seeds are easy to remove.
More vegetable dishes: vegetable recipes →
