How to cook your zucchini perfectly in summer: tips and easy recipes
Summer season 🥗 Soft or crispy cooking Healthy & Quick Recipes Grilling inspiration 🔥
Why bet on zucchini in summer?
Zucchini is a must-have in every kitchen as soon as the weather gets nice and warm. A star of the vegetable garden, it's ultra-fresh, light, bursting with water and sunshine... and above all, it can do it all: quickly pan-fried, stuffed, grilled on the barbecue, in a gratin, or even in a sweet version. Well-cooked, it melts in the mouth or retains a delicate crunch. But how do you get the perfect texture and flavor every time? Follow the guide to enhance your zucchini and delight family and friends all summer long 🥗!
Healthy food lovers love it for its high fiber, low calorie content, and incredible versatility. Zucchini pairs well with grilled fish, barbecued chicken, or homemade tomato sauce, and it makes a great addition to fresh herbs and spices.
Gourmet ideas and services
In summer, zucchini shines on every plate. You can enjoy it cold or hot, on its own or as a side dish. Here are some inspirations to refresh your meals:
In a pan or wok
Thinly slice your zucchini and sauté it over high heat with a little olive oil, garlic, and a hint of herbs. In less than five minutes, you'll have a healthy, quick, and flavorful side dish. For a change, add a touch of lemon or cumin.
Grilled on the barbecue 🔥
In summer, it's impossible to resist zucchini sliced into strips, brushed with oil, and grilled on a griddle or barbecue. They go wonderfully with meat, fish, or even in a warm salad. Find plenty of grilling ideas in our barbecue area .
In a gratin or tian
Alternate slices of zucchini, tomato, and mozzarella in a dish, drizzle with olive oil, bake... and you've got a melt-in-the-mouth, colorful family dish. Tian is a staple of summer meals, served as a main course or as a side dish.
Steamed or microwaved
Need a quick side dish? Dice the zucchini, place it in a suitable dish, cover with a little water, and then quickly cook it in the microwave or steam it. This way, it retains its vitamins, color, and crunch.
Blended into cold soup
With a powerful blender , transform it into a frozen velouté with basil, mint or a touch of Greek yogurt. Perfect for refreshing a starter or accompanying a picnic.
In tagliatelle or spaghetti
Use a peeler or a mandolin to make zucchini ribbons, to cook quickly in a pan or even to eat raw in a salad, with a lemon vinaigrette.
Tips for cooking zucchini perfectly 🥗
Never overcook
Zucchini is fragile. To prevent it from becoming watery and bland, cook it briefly and briskly: sauté it in small pieces over high heat or grill it quickly. This way, it retains its texture and flavor.
Sale at the right time
Salt your zucchini towards the end of cooking to prevent them from releasing too much water into the pan. This will give you a nice browning and a firmer texture.
Play on the cutouts
Diced, sliced, stick-shaped, or made into tagliatelle: the way you cut it affects the cooking time. The thinner it is, the faster it cooks! For a crispy pan-fry, slice thickly. For soup or purée, cut smaller.
Add fresh herbs
Parsley, basil, mint, coriander... Herbs add a little pep to zucchini, especially when added off the heat. Don't hesitate to use them in summer to enhance your dishes.
Use an Air Fryer for more flavor
For a light and golden version, the Air Fryer is your ally. Consult our Air Fryer comparison to choose the ideal model and achieve crispy and tender zucchini, without excess fat.
Marinate before cooking
A quick toss in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and thyme before cooking your zucchini gives them an irresistible flavor. Perfect before putting them in the oven or on the barbecue!
Choosing, buying and equipping yourself to cook zucchini
To enjoy exceptional zucchini, select firm ones with smooth, shiny skin, free of blemishes and bruises. Smaller ones are more tender and packed with flavor. Choose local or organic producers to enjoy maximum freshness and limit pesticides.
In summer, zucchini are very affordable at markets and from greengrocers. They can be stored for several days in the refrigerator, but avoid overcrowding them to avoid damaging them.
To vary the pleasures, equip yourself with a good non-stick pan, a mandolin or a spiralizer for original cuts, and a blender to invent creamy soups and sauces. And for a festive summer, discover our barbecue accessories in the Neary grill collection .
Finally, to never run out of ideas, find our selection of inspiring dishes every week on Recipes of the Week !
Zucchini FAQ: answers to your questions
Should I peel the zucchini?
No, the zucchini's skin is thin and full of nutrients. Simply wash it in clean water. You can leave it on for all cooking purposes, unless it's very large or thick.
How to prevent zucchini from releasing too much water during cooking?
Salt rather at the end of cooking, cook over high heat and avoid covering the pan. You can also soak the slices with a little salt ten minutes before cooking, then wipe them dry.
Can you eat raw zucchini?
Yes! Slice it thinly or grate it, then dress it with a light vinaigrette. It's delicious in salads, alone or with other summer vegetables.
What spices or herbs should be combined with zucchini?
Parsley, basil, mint, coriander, but also cumin, curry, paprika, garlic, and lemon. Zucchini loves Mediterranean and oriental combinations.
How to store zucchini after purchase?
In the refrigerator, in the vegetable drawer, without a sealed plastic bag. Also, avoid stacking them to avoid damaging them. Ideally, consume them within a week.
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