Shredded zucchini adds flavor, texture and a nutritional boost toquick breads,fritters,casserolesand more. It’s also a handy way to use up an abundance of fresh zucchini, whether it’s from the farmers' market or your own backyard. But what’s the best way to grate this popularsummer squash?
Elizabeth Laseter
How to Choose Perfect Zucchini
The better-quality your zucchini, the prettier its “shreds” will be. Ultimately, this means a better outcome for your recipe, whether it’s a quick bread or frittata. Pick firm zucchini with vibrant green skin. A zucchini with a few scratches on the skin is perfectly fine, but it should not be shriveled or wrinkled. While size isn’t a deal breaker, smaller zucchini tend to be a bit sweeter than their larger counterparts.
How to Shred Zucchini
There are multiple ways to shred zucchini, whether it’s with a box grater, food processor or blender. While there is no wrong way to do it, I personally do not recommend the last two. Using a food processor or a blender might seem faster, but they actually require more cleanup in the long run. The real issue, however, is that their blades are too aggressive. A simple box grater does a much better job at preserving the integrity of your zucchini.
This is less of an issue for quick breads, where the zucchini essentially “melts” as it bakes. But for fritters, crusts or tortillas (where texture is important), stick to a box grater.
Here is what you’ll need for this method:
Recipes typically call for a cup amount of shredded zucchini, but they may not always tell you how many zucchini you’ll need. While the exact amount will vary, this rule of thumb can help you estimate how much to buy: 4 small or 3 medium zucchini = about 5 to 6 cups shredded zucchini.
Step 1: Wash the Zucchini
Photo: Elizabeth Laseter.
Rinse the zucchini under water and wipe dry with paper towels. No need to peel the zucchini beforehand-the skin is mild in flavor and will soften when cooked. Plus, much of zucchini’s fiber content is in its skin, so you don’t want to throw that away. If you’re making fritters or pancakes, zucchini skin will also add a splash of color.
Step 2: Cut Off the Bottom
Photo: Austin Duckworth.
Next, slice off the bottom end of the zucchini and leave the stem end intact. Technically, it doesn’t matter which end you cut off, but it’s useful to have the stem to hold onto as you’re grating the zucchini.
Step 3: Shred the Zucchini
Shredded zucchini is inherently messy, and it helps immensely to prepare a landing spot for it as you’re grating. The best way to do this is to place your box grater inside a medium or large prep bowl. Then, once you’re finished grating, you have all of your shredded zucchini in one handy place.
Secure the box grater in one hand and the stem end of the zucchini in the other. Using the side of the box grater with the largest holes, grate the zucchini until only the stem remains. (If you need finely shredded zucchini, use the side of the box grater with the smaller holes.) Repeat until you’ve used all of your zucchini.
Step 4: Use According to Your Recipe
From here, simply measure out the amount of shredded zucchini that your recipe requires. For the best color and texture, use shredded zucchini as soon as possible. If you have leftovers, it’s best to freeze those for later.
How to Freeze Shredded Zucchini
How to Make Zucchini Noodles
Healthy Shredded Zucchini Recipes and Ideas
Shredded zucchini isn’t just for baking quick bread-and there’s an endless list of healthy recipes you can make with it. I’m drooling over these gorgeousZucchini Pancakesand this crave-worthyZucchini Pizza Casserole, which is perfect for a crowd. If you’re throwing a party, theseCheesy Zucchini Breadsticks(pictured above) are guaranteed to disappear quickly.
Shredded zucchini also makes a delicious and healthy gluten-free crust, such as in thisQuiche Lorraine with Zucchini Crust. And if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to corn or flour tortillas, these cheesyZucchini Tortillasare the perfect vehicles for a variety of taco fillings.
All that said, it’s tough to top a freshly baked loaf of zucchini bread. Try EatingWell’sBlueberry-Lemon Zucchini Bread.
Our 32 Best Zucchini Recipes of All Time
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