Zucchini Patties Recipe

Zucchini: Fresh and grated, this vegetable adds moisture and a mild flavor to the patties.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor and helps bind the patties together.

Bread crumbs: Provides structure and helps absorb excess moisture from the zucchini.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the patties together.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the patties.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the patties.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the flavor.

Olive oil: Used for frying, it gives the patties a crispy exterior.

When preparing the zucchini, make sure to grate it finely and then place it in a clean kitchen towel. Twist the towel tightly to squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure that the patties hold together well and achieve a crispy texture when fried.

• grated zucchini - Substitute with grated yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and moisture content, making it a good alternative.

• grated zucchini - Substitute with grated carrots: Carrots provide a slightly sweeter flavor and similar texture when grated.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor profile.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a good option for a dairy-free alternative.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs offer a lighter, crispier texture.

• bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can add a similar binding and texture to the patties.

• large egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) works as a vegan binder.

• large egg - Substitute with chia egg: A chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) also serves as a vegan binder.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor when fresh garlic is not available.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet garlic-like flavor.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good alternative for frying.

• Allow the zucchini patties to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Place the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step ensures they don't stick together.

• Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze the patties for about 1-2 hours, or until they are solid. This is called flash freezing and helps maintain their shape.

• Once frozen, transfer the patties to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of freshness.

• If stacking the patties in a container, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen patties directly from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the patties on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the patties in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat, and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side, or until heated through and crispy.

• For short-term storage, place the cooled patties in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

• To reheat refrigerated patties, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil for a few minutes on each side.

• Avoid microwaving the patties, as this can make them soggy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are heated through and regain their crispiness.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are warmed through and crispy again.

• Microwave Method: Place the patties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are evenly heated.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the zucchini patties in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method: Set your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the patties on the toaster oven tray and heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until they are thoroughly warmed and crispy.

• Grater: Used to grate the zucchini into fine shreds.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: Essential for measuring out the zucchini, parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Useful for measuring out salt and pepper to taste.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic clove quickly and efficiently.

• Whisk: Used to beat the egg before adding it to the mixture.

• Spoon: For scooping the mixture into the pan.

• Frying pan: A medium to large pan for frying the patties.

• Spatula: To flatten the mixture into patties and flip them while cooking.

• Paper towels: Used to drain the excess oil from the cooked patties.

• Plate: For serving the warm zucchini patties.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Grate the zucchini and parmesan cheese in advance to save time during cooking.

Use a food processor: Quickly grate zucchini and mince garlic using a food processor instead of doing it manually.

Preheat the pan: Start heating the olive oil while mixing the ingredients to save time.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple patties at once if your pan is large enough to reduce overall cooking time.

Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion the zucchini mixture evenly and quickly.