Crispy Fried Zucchini Recipe – Perfectly Crunchy at Home

The crispy fried zucchini is not just a simple snack but a perfect blend of the refreshing taste of zucchini and a crispy, golden batter. Let’s explore how to make this dish at home with a detailed recipe from “Sổ Tay Món Ăn”!

Crispy Fried Zucchini

Secrets to the Appeal of Crispy Fried Zucchini

Distinctive Flavor

Crispy fried zucchini stands out with its harmony of the natural mild sweetness of zucchini and the crispy, savory batter. This is the ideal dish for hot summer days or when you want to change up your family meals.

Origin and Popularity

Originating from Vietnamese family meals, this dish has become popular due to its convenience and easily accessible ingredients. With zucchini in season, people often come up with various cooking methods, among which crispy fried zucchini is the most favored.

Reasons for Its Popularity

• Easy-to-find ingredients: Zucchini, all-purpose flour, rice flour, and eggs are all readily available in your kitchen.
• Not heavy: Unlike other fried dishes that can be greasy, this one offers a light and refreshing feel.
• Versatile serving options: Can be enjoyed as a snack or as a side dish in a family meal.

Crispy Fried Zucchini Ingredients

Ingredients to Prepare

Main Components

• Zucchini: 1 medium (about 300-400g). Choose a young, firm zucchini with a vibrant green skin.
• All-purpose flour: 100g – For crispiness.
• Rice flour: 50g – Enhances crispiness and gives a nice golden color.
• Tapioca flour: 30g – Provides stickiness and chewiness.
• Egg: 1 – Adds richness and helps bind the batter.
• Coconut milk (optional): 50ml – Adds a rich flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, sugar, MSG.
• Cooking oil: Enough for deep frying.

Necessary Tools

• Knife, cutting board.
• Mixing bowl, whisk or chopsticks.
• Deep frying pan or pot.
• Paper towels.

How to Choose a Good Zucchini

• Shape: Choose a long, straight zucchini, not misshapen.
• Weight: Feels heavy for its size.
• Skin: Bright green, no scratches or bruises.
• Stem: Fresh, not dried out.
• Press test: Skin is soft and slightly gives when pressed.

Choosing Zucchini

Steps to Follow

Step 1: Preparing the Zucchini

• Wash, peel, and remove the seeds if necessary.
• Cut into long slices, about 0.5-1cm thick.
• Marinate with a bit of salt, let sit for 15 minutes, then gently squeeze out the water.

Step 2: Making the Batter

• Mix all-purpose flour, rice flour, and tapioca flour in a bowl.
• Add egg, coconut milk (or water), and seasonings.
• Stir well, adjust the amount of water to achieve a smooth batter.
• Strain through a sieve, let the batter rest for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Frying the Zucchini

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
• Dip each zucchini slice into the batter, fry until golden brown on medium heat.
• Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serving

• Arrange on a plate, garnish with fresh herbs.
• Serve hot, with chili sauce, ketchup, or mayonnaise for dipping.

Tips for Keeping Zucchini Crispy

• Squeeze out water from the zucchini thoroughly.
• Use the correct batter ratio.
• Fry in enough oil at medium heat.
• Double-fry for extra crispiness.

Crispy Fried Zucchini Tips

Flavor Variations

• Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella to the batter.
• Shrimp: Mix finely chopped shrimp into the batter.
• Spicy: Add chili powder or hot sauce.
• Piper lolot leaves: Mix finely chopped piper lolot leaves into the batter.
• Sweet: Add sugar to the batter, serve with honey for dipping.

Nutritional Value

Zucchini is rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber, low in calories, and supports weight loss and detoxification. However, consume in moderation and pair with greens for balanced nutrition.

Ways to Enjoy

• Hot: Best when freshly fried.
• Dipping: With chili sauce, ketchup, or mayonnaise.
• Combinations: With fresh vegetables, iced tea, or fruit juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will it get soft if left overnight?

• It can be reheated in the oven or an air fryer.

2. Can I use a different type of flour instead of all-purpose flour?

• You can use tapioca flour or corn starch, but the crispiness will be different.

3. How do I know if the oil is hot enough?

• Test by dipping a chopstick or dropping a bit of batter into the oil.

4. Can I use an air fryer?

• Yes, lightly oil the zucchini before air frying.

5. Is it suitable for vegetarians?

• Yes, you can omit the egg and use water or coconut milk instead.

Conclusion

Crispy fried zucchini is a simple yet appealing dish, perfect for any family. Try it out today and don’t forget to share your experience with us!