How to Cook Zucchini: A Guide to Zucchini

Zucchini is one of the most underrated veggies. It’s inexpensive, easy to grow, and super versatile, shining in everything from stir fries, to soups, to pastas, to baked goods. If zucchini makes you think of a bland, mushy veg, think again! There’s a bit of a learning curve to working with zucchini, because of its high water content. But once you learn how to cook zucchini, you’ll be creating delicious, drool-worthy dishes in no time!

Keep reading this guide to zucchini, to learn everything from what types of zucchini there are, to how to grow zucchini, to health benefits of zucchini, to easy zucchini recipes, including how to grill zucchini and zucchini soup recipes!

What are Zucchinis?

If you aren’t familiar with this vegetable, it may be because they are called courgettes in the UK. Curiously, zucchinis are not really a vegetable but a fruit belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. (If you think it resembles a cucumber, that’s because it belongs to the same lineage). These elongated green fruits are deep green on the outside (or some varieties are golden yellow) with tender, white flesh on the inside.

Fun facts: zucchinis are harvested before they reach maturity (when they are still tender). Also, the entire plant is edible, including the skin, seeds and the beautiful yellow flowers that they grow.

Is a Zucchini The Same as a Summer Squash?

Zucchini is one type of summer squash, but not the only one. There are several types of summer squashes and they’re all similar in that they’re 100% edible.

How Many Types of Summer Squash Are There?

There are several varieties of summer squash in different shapes and colors. Here’s some of the common ones to grow or find in the grocery store:

• Green Zucchini: This is one of the most common types of summer squash. It is long with dark green-skin. It has a mild flavor which makes it perfect for dishes you can add a lot of flavor to, like stir-fries or ratatouille.
• Yellow Zucchini: This pretty variety has a similar shape and size to the green zucchini but has shiny golden yellow skin. It does have a slightly lower water content, which makes it ideal for cooking amazing dishes and holding its shape.
• Pattypan Squash: These funny-named and shaped squashes are adorable and worth buying just because they will look beautiful in your kitchen. Available in a variety of colors from dark green to white, they are cooked similar to other squash and great for grilling!
• Crookneck Squash: Another funny-shaped zucchini, it has a crooked neck, just like its name suggests. With a delicate flavor, this yellow (or sometimes pale green) variety is great for any dish.
• Cocozella Di Napoli: Striped and larger in size, this Italian variety is great in every recipe but it works particularly well for stuffed zucchini boats.

Can I Grow Zucchini Easily at Home?

Zucchinis are one of the easiest vegetables to grow at home for beginners. If you have the garden space, we highly recommend giving it a try. If your space is more limited, zucchinis can also grow upwards on a strong trellis or support. It’s even possible to grow them in raised beds or containers. They can start easily from seed and usually grow quickly. The only problem you might encounter is growing so many zucchini that you don’t know what to do with them! I find there are always neighbors and family members who welcome a nice basket of homegrown zucchinis. Also, we’ve provided lots of crowd-pleasing recipes here to use up your bounty!

Are Zucchini Healthy?

Zucchini are very low in calories and full of amazing nutritional qualities. They are packed with many vitamins and minerals. Lots of antioxidants means they can reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. They also contain a lot of fiber, which means they’re great for digestion, gut health, and stabilizing blood sugar. The high water content is amazing for hydration, too!

Can I Eat Zucchini Raw?

Absolutely! Zucchinis are tender and very mild in flavor, which makes them a great option to eat raw. Sliced into raw zucchini sticks or rounds, they make a great addition to a veggie platter, or as a light snack or lunch side with some yummy dip like vegan French onion dip.

Zoodles: Another option for raw zucchini is zoodles, which are like noodles but made from spiralizing raw zucchini. You can get a spiralizer inexpensively, or even a spiralizing attachment for a food processor or KitchenAid. Zoodles are a great neutral and low-carb base for all sorts of yummy sauces, from a rich tomato sauce, to an Asian-inspired dressing, or even as a pad Thai add-on. You can also mix them with your regular pasta in order to sneak some veggies in.

How to Cook Zucchini?

There are many ways to cook zucchini for a wide-variety of dishes. Here are a few:

• Steamed Zucchini: Steaming zucchini and then patting off some of the extra moisture is a simple but lovely way to prepare it. You can then drizzle some olive oil and some sea salt on top, so good!
• Sauteed Zucchini: This seems to be the most popular way of enjoying zucchini. Slice or chop them and then saute them in a pan with some onions and garlic. Or just add them to any sauteed (or stir-fried!) veggies you’re making, and they will contribute great flavor and texture.
• Roasted Zucchini: If you’re a fan of a good tray of roasted veggies, then adding some zucchini might be a game-changer. They will add moisture and color to potatoes and carrots.
• Air Fried Zucchini: This new-er way of cooking is another zucchini game-changer. You can coat them with some bread crumbs and then enjoy some crispy and tender zucchini fries.
• Grilled Zucchini: Who can resist the smoky flavor and char-marks of grilling? Slice the zucchini into long spears and grill on each side, or chop into large cubes with other colorful veggies on skewers.
• Baked Zucchini: Shredded zucchini can also add great moisture and texture to baked goods, like zucchini bread, zucchini cookies, and more!

Are you excited to try some zucchini dishes now? We hope this guide to zucchini has helped you grow more comfortable and confident with this exceptional vegetable and all it can do. It’s really so easy and inexpensive (and healthy!) to integrate it into your daily meals, and to experiment with it when you’re feeling inventive. Check out the recipes below and let us know in the comments what’s the best way you like to enjoy them!

What Can I Make With Zucchini?

There are so many easy zucchini recipes to try. Here are some fan-favorites!

• Zucchini Bread Recipes: Zucchini Bread, Blueberry Zucchini Muffins, Zucchini Muffins
• Zucchini Cake Recipes (and other desserts!): Chocolate Zucchini Cake, Banana Zucchini Cookies, Zucchini Mock Apple Pie
• Oven Zucchini Recipes: Zucchini Potato Bake, Baked Zucchini Fries, Zucchini Tart, Cheesy Zucchini Chips, Baked Zucchini Fritters, Stuffed Peppers, Zucchini Boats
• How to Cook Zucchini in a Pan: Zucchini Stir Fry, Veggie Kung Pao, Calabacitas, Summer Zucchini & Hominy, Breakfast Potato Hash,
• Raw Zucchini Recipes: Zucchini Salad, Charcuterie Board
• Zucchini Soup Recipes: Caldo de Tofu, Creamy Zucchini Soup, Veggie Packed Potato Leek Soup