How to cook zucchini in 5 different ways

Zucchini is a type of summer squash that has a mild flavour that is almost sweet but mainly absorbs the flavour of whatever it is cooked with. When properly prepared, zucchini reveals a vivid, striking world of mouth-watering taste. Try it in this vegan zucchini chocolate cake. Here are 5 different ways to cook zucchini. 

How to cook zucchini flowers

The edible flowers of the zucchini plant are referred to as zucchini flowers. Zucchini flowers have a soft and delicate texture and a slightly sweet taste. These steps show you how to cook zucchini flowers in the most ideal way. 

1. In a large bowl whisk some flour, salt, sage, and ice water.
2. Open each flower delicately and stuff it with a piece of mozzarella and half an anchovy.  Then, close the flower by twisting it tightly.
3. Heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a pot.
4. Individually dip each flower in the batter then place it in the pot to fry for about 2 minutes until crisp and golden.
5. Use a paper towel to drain the fried flower. Add salt to season.  

How to cook zucchini in the oven

A common question people ask regarding how to cook zucchini in the oven is, "Can you bake zucchini?" The answer is yes. When it comes to basic vegetable sides, baked zucchini comes the closest to comfort food.

The flavour of this buttery, creamy vegetable is boosted with the right amount of spicing and a tiny amount of caramelization from the oven. To us, the best way to cook zucchini in the oven is to bake it. These steps show you how to bake zucchini. 

1. Preheat your oven to 218°C.
2. Place some parchment paper on your baking sheet
3. Toss the sliced zucchini with oil, seasoning, salt & pepper, and some parmesan cheese.
4. Place them in the oven and allow them to bake for 5 minutes.
5. Lastly, broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the zucchini is soft but still crunchy.
6. If you are outside grilling meat, you can cook your zucchini by spicing up the baking steps, grilling the zucchini, and then adding cheese afterwards. 

How to cook zucchini in microwave

Now, if you want an even quicker way to cook zucchini, microwave-steamed zucchini is another delicious addition to almost any dinner. This is the simplest zucchini cooking method. These steps show you how to cook zucchini in the microwave by steaming it.

1. Slice your zucchini, preferably into rounds, for this method.
2. Place them into a microwave-safe dish filled with water. Make sure you close the dish with a lid or plate.
3. Microwave for 4-6 minutes then remove the dish and drain the water.
4. Place the zucchini rounds on a serving dish and toss them with butter or olive oil, garlic salt, and Parmesan cheese then serve right away – feel free to add an extra 2 minutes of microwaving to melt the Parmesan cheese. 

How to cook zucchini on the stove

There are different ways to cook zucchini on stovetop. The best way to cook zucchini on the stove is by sautéing it, as this allows the zucchini to develop a hint of colour while remaining slightly crisp. These steps show you how to cook zucchini on the stove by sautéing it. 

1. Heat a large skillet in oil at high heat.
2. Half moons and rounds are the preferred slicing method for this zucchini cooking method. Spice them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Cook the zucchini while occasionally tossing it for about 10 minutes or until crisp-tender. 
4. You can add some parmesan cheese in the last seconds of cooking then serve right away.  

How to cook zucchini in air fryer

Air fryer zucchini is a perfect side dish to any meal. It also makes a great snack,great for your kids after school, and a healthy alternative for those cravings or hunger pangs during the day. It takes very little time to make so it’s very ideal for the whole family. You just need a small to medium zucchini that is nice and firm, some olive oil, and black pepper for seasoning. 

1. Thinly slice the zucchini - a bout ¼ inch
2. Place it in a bowl and add olive oil - enough to toss and lightly coat the zucchini.
3. Sprinkle your favourite seasoning, or add salt and pepper to taste. 
   Lie the zucchini slices flat on the airfryer basket - do not stack or let them overlap.
4. Cook your zucchini at 400 degrees for about 8 minutes - or until it reaches your desired level or crispiness. Make sure to check and toss it a bit half-way through cooking. Serve it as is - with some Parmesan seasoning, with a dip, or as part of a meal. 

With this method, you have also learnt how to make air fryer zucchini chips. Make the chips slightly thinner, about ⅛ inch, and reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. 

How to cook zucchini for babies

Zucchini can be blended into a smooth puree. Add water, broth, or breastmilk/formula to thin it to the desired consistency. This is such a simple and flexible method to offer zucchini to your baby, whether you are starting with baby-led weaning or moving up in texture after using purees. 

Zucchini is a very versatile veggie. We’ve seen the different ways to cook zucchini, which included cooking the flowers, cooking it in the airfryer, baking, grilling, microwaving, and sautéing. It’s summer’s sweetest and most delicious green treat, and we hope you try it this summer. 

Find more zucchini-inspired recipes below:

• Zucchini fritters
• Zucchini, sausage, saffron risotto
• Zucchini slice
• Zucchini corn fritters