HOW TO MAKE CRISPY FRIED ZUCCHINI RIBBONS

Summertime! Zucchini and yellow squash are in full abundance at your local markets, farmer’s markets and gardens. Are you searching for a new way to enjoy these gifts from mother earth? Make these Crispy Fried Zucchini Ribbons. It’s a guarantee that the entire platter will disappear within minutes! If you are vegetarian, this zucchini recipe is definitely one to put on rotation.

Of course, I created a short video on TikTok preparing these crispy and crunchy Zucchini Ribbons. Be sure to watch below in the recipe. If you have not yet signed up for this social media platform, use my code 5SSIS800K0H06 to create an account. 

Actually, this particular cooking video is quite funny and, somewhat informative. See, I was getting a bit of heat from someone criticizing me for not sharing my entire recipe (amount of ingredients and such) as part of my videos. This video was my response. As much as I love creating recipe content for my blog, it’s a lot of work. This goes for all bloggers. A number of us make a living doing this. So, show your support by clicking that link, and not complaining about clicking that link. The content is free, you know?

IS ZUCCHINI KETO FRIENDLY?

YES, zucchini is keto friendly. Actually, it’s one of the best vegetables to eat if you are following a keto diet. In fact, you have probably seen a number of keto recipes substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles, or zoodles. However, if you wanted this recipe for Crispy Fried Zucchini Ribbons to be keto, you must replace the all-purpose flour with a keto approved flour alternative:

• almond flour
• King Arthur keto wheat flour
• coconut flour

HOW TO CUT ZUCCHINI OR YELLOW SQUASH INTO RIBBONS

The goal here is to achieve a puffy platter of Crispy Fried Zucchini Ribbons, like the photo above. So, I have found that in order to achieve a super thin zucchini ribbon, use a vegetable peeler. For an even more beautiful platter, use both zucchini and yellow squash.

Trim off the ends. There is no need to peel the skin. Hold the fresh zucchini or yellow squash in one hand. Lengthwise, cut the zucchini by applying pressure on the vegetable peeler, using a forward slicing motion.

Here are a few alternatives to using a vegetable peeler (note these may not cut the squash as thin as you would like):

• box grater (using the slicing feature)
• mandoline
• sharp kitchen knife

If you want to achieve a julienne cut, which would also be fun using this recipe, or when making my Fritto Misto, use a julienne vegetable peeler. Check out this Trio Peeler Set! These fun and crispy vegetable straws would be a great topping for almost any dish.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CRISPY FRIED ZUCCHINI RIBBONS

Actually, it’s quite simple to achieve super Crispy Fried Zucchini Ribbons. My guess, you already have all of the ingredients in your pantry. Think light and crispy. No need for the heaviness that comes from a breadcrumb and egg mixture. A light seasoned flour mixture is all you need.

Season the flour to your liking. I simply used kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder. Add paprika, cayenne for a little heat, and/or your favorite seasoning. The moisture content of the peeled zucchini helps in allowing the flour to adhere.

Adding a bit of rice flour or cornstarch to the flour will make these Crispy Fried Zucchini Ribbons, even crispier!

To amp up the flavor just a bit, once the zucchini strips are plated, sprinkle on a bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

OIL

Choose an oil with a high smoke point. Canola oil is typically, my go to. A few alternatives include:

• sunflower oil
• coconut oil
• grapeseed oil
• soybean oil
• vegetable oil
• peanut oil

Be sure the temperature of the oil is between 350° to 375°. The thin strips of zucchini and/or yellow squash will only take a few minutes to brown in a deep fry. Speaking of which, I use this deep cast iron pot from Lodge for all of my deep frying needs. It’s so worth the investment.

Although, not recommended using this preparation, an alternative to deep frying would be to make air-fryer zucchini, or baked zucchini. A panko or Parmesan coating would work best for either alternatives.

DIPPING SAUCE FOR FRIED ZUCCHINI

Believe me, these crispy beauties are incredible on their own. However, if you are like my Hubby, you love what he calls, “dippage.” Here is a list of some greats sauces to pair with fried zucchini, and/or fried yellow squash:

• marinara
• ranch
• Sriracha mayo
• garlic aioli
• creamy horseradish

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I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him. He is known as one of the best skate sharpeners in the world!

Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!

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