Easy Zucchini Patties Recipe

 

Transform your garden’s bounty or farmer’s market find into these irresistibly crispy and golden-brown patties. They’re a versatile favorite, perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Yields: 8-10 small patties
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 medium zucchini (approx. 1 cup or 150g), shredded

• ½ cup (50g) shredded carrot

• ½ small onion (50g), very finely diced or thinly sliced

• 1 large egg

• ⅓ cup (100ml) milk

• ⅓ cup (50g) all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

• Oil for frying (avocado, vegetable, or olive oil work well)

Instructions:

Directions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a colander, combine the shredded zucchini, carrot, and onion. Toss with the salt and let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Using your hands or a clean kitchen towel, firmly squeeze the vegetables to remove as much liquid as possible. This crucial step is the secret to achieving perfectly crisp patties!

2. Make the Batter:
Transfer the squeezed vegetables to a medium mixing bowl. Add the egg, milk, and black pepper, and mix until well incorporated. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until just combined and no dry pockets of flour remain. The batter should be thick and chunky.

3. Heat the Oil:
Place a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.

4. Form & Fry the Patties:
Once the oil is shimmering hot, drop heaping tablespoons of batter into the pan, spacing them apart. Gently flatten each mound with the back of your spoon to form a small, even patty.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Fry for 2-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and crisp on the outside. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the patties instead of frying them.

6. Drain and Serve:
Transfer the cooked patties to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. For the best experience, serve immediately while hot and crispy.

 Serving Suggestion: Enjoy with a cool dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon, or your favorite dipping sauce. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.