Fried Zucchini with Olive Oil and Parmesan
Zucchini coins fried in olive oil until deeply golden — no egg wash, no breadcrumbs. Finished with Parmesan, lemon, and fresh herbs. Ready in 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2-3 (450 g) small or medium zucchini between ½ - 1 inch in diameter, about 1 pound
- ½ cup thinly sliced onion or shallot
- ¼ cup (40 g) flour all purpose, rice, or gluten-free blend
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 whole peeled garlic cloves lightly smashed
- ¼ cup Italian parsley or fresh basil roughly chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 lemon wedges
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini into thick coins about ½-inch wide. Put them in a bowl with ½ cup thinly sliced onion or shallot Add ¼ cup flour, 1 ½ teaspoons salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the slices so they're evenly coated in the flour mixture.
- Heat a 12-inch (preferably non-stick) skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Pour in ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil and heat until it just begins to shimmer.
- Lift the slices out of the bowl, shaking off the flour. Arrange them cut-side down in the pan in one layer. The slices should sizzle right away, otherwise the pan isn't hot enough yet. Toss in the garlic cloves. Fry undisturbed for 2 or 3 minutes, until the slices are nicely golden brown on one side. Note: Depending on the size of your pan, you might have to cook the zucchini in batches.
- Flip the zucchini over, either by shaking the pan or by gently nudging with a spatula. Fry on the other side for 1-2 more minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley or basil. Transfer to a serving plate and sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Squeeze the lemon over each serving and enjoy them hot.
Video
Notes
- For the best texture, be sure not to slice the zucchini too thin.
- The fried zucchini is best served hot and freshly cooked. It will become softer in texture as it cools.
- Reheat leftovers in a lightly oiled skillet until warmed through.
Nutrition
Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSodium: 13mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1g
