Recipe Background
Fried zucchini delights with a crunchy coating and tender inside, perfect for sharing.
Fried zucchini offers a simple yet satisfying experience. Each bite provides a delightful contrast between the crisp exterior and the tender, mild zucchini inside. The aroma of frying parmesan mingles with the olive oil, creating an inviting scent that beckons you into the kitchen. This dish is perfect for sharing, perhaps as a casual appetizer or a sunny day snack. The communal nature of fried foods makes them a surefire way to draw friends or family together.
Crafting this dish involves a small but crucial technique—patting the parmesan mixture firmly onto the zucchini ensures a thick, even coating that crisps up beautifully. Pay attention to the golden hue; it's your signal that the zucchini is ready to pluck from the oil. The process is rewarding, transforming simple vegetables into something warm and comforting.
Set these on the table with a sprinkle of leftover parmesan and watch them disappear. Older and younger alike will find joy in snapping through the crunchy exterior. Everyone bursts into easy conversation, reminded of how food can bridge generations and invite spontaneous moments of connection. Simple pleasures like this keep cooking approachable and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 medium zucchinis cut into 3-inch-long by 1/2-inch-wide strips
- olive oil to taste, for frying
Directions
- Line an 18x26-inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of the parmesan cheese, the panko breadcrumbs, and the salt and stir to combine.
- In a separate medium bowl, add the eggs and whisk until well-combined.
- Working in batches, add the zucchini strips to the egg mixture and coat completely. Allow the excess egg mixture to drip back into the bowl.
- Transfer the coated zucchini strips to the parmesan mixture and coat completely, patting to allow the parmesan mixture to adhere.
- Place the coated zucchini strips on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 inches of the olive oil and heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F.
- Working in batches, add the coated zucchini strips to the heated olive oil and fry until they are golden-brown, about 3 minutes.
- Transfer the fried zucchini strips to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
- Transfer the zucchini strips to a serving plate and evenly sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Plate and serve.
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