There are many ways to use zucchini as an accompaniment to meat or fish, so not all dishes that contain this squash member are strictly vegetable recipes. In fact, it is worth noting that zucchini slices aren't true vegetables at all since they're a type of squash belonging to the gourd family of plants. That means zucchini is actually a fruit from a botanist's perspective. Nevertheless, the veggie is typically used as a vegetable when cooking. Read on to find out how to cook zucchini for great results every time.
How to cook zucchini
You can simply boil zucchini slices or batons by cutting them into batons or coins — much like a carrot, for example — and putting them into boiling water until they are cooked. However, this method can lead to waterlogging since the soft, fleshy parts tend to soak up the water they're being cooked in. Boil zucchini for no longer than five minutes or, for even better results, use one of the handy methods outlined below.
How to cook zucchini slices in the oven
To cook zucchini slices in the oven, you will want to roast them until they're tender and sweet. The key to roasting them is to not cut the zucchini so small that they fail to hold their form. Here's what you need to do:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C or a little higher if you don't have a fan-assisted model.
- Place a zucchini onto a chopping board and — for standard-sized ones — cut it in half across the middle.
- Lie each half down and, having removed the ends, cut it down the middle from top to bottom so the squash is effectively quartered.
- Next, cut each quarter from top to bottom to form batons.
- Place the batons of the zucchini onto a roasting tray, spreading them out evenly with their skins down.
- Drizzle the zucchini batons with a little olive oil and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
- Wearing oven gloves, put the roasting tin into the oven on a centrally positioned shelf.
- After 20 to 25 minutes, when the zucchini is just starting to turn brown, remove them from the oven and serve.
For a delicious oven-baked meal, try making cheesy zucchini-topped chicken.
How to cook zucchini slices in a pan
To cook zucchini slices in a pan:
- Cut the zucchini across the middle into coin shapes, measuring about half a centimetre in width.
- Discard the very top and bottom of the squash, as only the edible sections should be cooked.
- Place the zucchini coins into a frying pan with oil or melted butter on medium heat.
- Cook them for about three to five minutes, turning them over and moving them from time to time, ensuring all parts cook evenly.
- Transfer the zucchini to a serving dish when they're done.
For a tasty zucchini dish, try golden zucchini, carrot, and cheddar fritters.
How to cook zucchini in an air fryer
Here's how to air-fry zucchini for best results:
- Cut the zucchini into coin shapes, as outlined above, but make the zucchini slices chunkier, about twice as wide when frying the zucchini in a pan.
- Cut each zucchini slice in half to form a half-moon shape.
- Put all the zucchini slices into the air fryer's cooking tray.
- Set the air fryer to 200°C and cook the zucchini for five minutes.
- Remove the tray and serve.
Zucchini vs courgette
If you want to prepare a recipe that calls for courgettes but you only have zucchini, then don't worry. Likewise, if you have found a zucchini recipe but would like to substitute courgettes, then you can do so. These are simply different words for the same ingredient, which means you can use either since they're exactly the same!
For more inspiration, explore these zucchini recipes.
Best zucchini recipes
For a creamy and satisfying meal, try creamy chicken, zucchini & mushroom fusilli. If you love Mediterranean flavours, zucchini pairs wonderfully with many Mediterranean dishes.
Zucchini FAQs
Are zucchini the same as courgettes?
Although Italians and French people have their own words, zucchini tends to be the preferred term for courgette in Australia. These names can lead to confusion when reading international recipes. The bottom line is they're one and the same.
What is zucchini in English?
In English, zucchini is a French word that is widely used for this type of squash. However, it is worth noting that English speakers also tend to use the word marrow to mean fully mature zucchini.
What is the best way to eat zucchini?
This is a matter of opinion, and there is no definitive answer. That being said, raw zucchini retains more nutrients and antioxidants. So, eating raw zucchini is the healthiest way to consume the vegetable.
Can you eat zucchini raw?
Absolutely! Raw zucchini tastes good and is ideal for making into batons and using for dips. The veggie is superb as crudités when served raw.
If you're following a plant-based diet, explore our vegetarian meal plan for more great meal ideas.