Are you looking for a delightful, healthy dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare? Look no further than zucchini patties! This versatile and flavorful recipe is perfect for a light lunch, an appetizer, or even a side dish. Packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, these zucchini patties are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Read on to discover the secrets to making perfect zucchini patties and impress your family and friends with this tasty treat!

What are Zucchini Patties?
Zucchini patties are savory fritters made primarily from grated zucchini, combined with various ingredients to form a batter that is then pan-fried to crispy perfection. These patties are not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. They can be enjoyed on their own, served with a dipping sauce, or as part of a larger meal.
Ingredients List for Zucchini Patties
- 1 pound zucchini, about 3 medium
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups chopped scallions, about 1 bunch
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2¼ cups panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Avocado oil, for the pan
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Tartar Sauce or Creamy Dill Sauce, for serving
Substitutions and Variations
To cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, consider these substitutions and variations:
- Gluten-Free: Replace panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Vegan: Substitute eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
- Herbs: Try different herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or basil instead of dill.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cumin, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Incorporate a handful of grated Parmesan or feta cheese for extra richness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Zucchini Patties: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim the ends.
- Grate the zucchini using a box grater or a food processor.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure the patties hold together and become crispy.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, chopped scallions, grated garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon zest, and sea salt.
- Crack the eggs into the bowl and mix well to combine.
- Add 1½ cups of panko breadcrumbs and the all-purpose flour. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the Patties:
- Take a small handful of the mixture and shape it into a patty, about 2-3 inches in diameter and ½ inch thick.
- Place the formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Coat each patty lightly with the remaining panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy exterior.
- Cook the Patties:
- Heat a generous amount of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the patties to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Moisture Removal: Not squeezing out the excess moisture from the zucchini will result in soggy patties that fall apart.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Cooking too many patties at once will lower the pan’s temperature, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
- Using Insufficient Oil: To achieve a crispy exterior, ensure the patties are cooked in enough oil. Skimping on oil will make the patties less appealing.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Zucchini Patties
Zucchini patties are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Appetizer: Serve as bite-sized appetizers with dipping sauces like tartar sauce or creamy dill sauce.
- Main Dish: Pair with a fresh salad, grains, or roasted vegetables for a light and satisfying main course.
- Burger: Place in a bun with your favorite burger toppings for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Presentation Ideas for Zucchini Patties
Presentation can make a big difference in how your dish is perceived. Here are some ideas:
- Platter Presentation: Arrange the patties on a large platter with a dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges.
- Individual Plates: Serve two or three patties per plate, accompanied by a small side salad and a drizzle of sauce on the side.
- Stacked: For a more elegant presentation, stack the patties and top with a dollop of sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Zucchini Patties Recipe Tips
- Uniform Size: Make sure all patties are the same size for even cooking.
- Keep Warm: If making a large batch, keep the cooked patties warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while you finish frying the rest.
- Extra Flavor: Experiment with adding different spices, herbs, or even a bit of cheese to the batter for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make zucchini patties ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook the patties just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze zucchini patties? A: Yes, cooked zucchini patties can be frozen. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the oven or a skillet until heated through.
Q: What sauces go well with zucchini patties? A: Tartar sauce, creamy dill sauce, tzatziki, or even a simple garlic yogurt sauce pair wonderfully with zucchini patties.
Q: How do I prevent my zucchini patties from being soggy? A: Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini before mixing with other ingredients. This is key to achieving crispy patties.
Q: Can I bake zucchini patties instead of frying them? A: Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Zucchini patties are a delicious, versatile, and nutritious dish that you can enjoy in many ways. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, main course, or even in a burger, they are sure to be a hit. By following this recipe and the tips provided, you’ll master the art of making perfect zucchini patties every time. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and delight your taste buds with these delectable zucchini patties!
PrintZucchini Patties Recipe
Enjoy these savory zucchini patties, packed with fresh dill, garlic, and lemon zest. Perfect for a light, healthy meal or snack. Easy to prepare and sure to please!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound zucchini, about 3 medium
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups chopped scallions, about 1 bunch
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2¼ cups panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Avocado oil, for the pan
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Tartar Sauce or Creamy Dill Sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine zucchini, eggs, scallions, garlic, dill, lemon zest, and sea salt.
- Stir in 1¼ cups of panko breadcrumbs and flour until well combined.
- Form mixture into patties, using remaining panko to coat the outside.
- Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook patties until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve warm with tartar sauce or creamy dill sauce.
Notes
- Ensure zucchini is well-drained to prevent soggy patties.
- Customize with additional herbs or spices as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Leave a Reply