Zucchini is a very versatile vegetable that can be used in many dishes, but learning how to properly dry it before cooking is an important step. Proper drying will help the zucchini cook more evenly, avoid a watery texture, and allow flavors to be better absorbed. Here are some tips on the best ways to dry zucchini before cooking.
Why dry zucchini before cooking?
There are a few key reasons you’ll want to take the extra step to dry zucchini slices or pieces before cooking:
- Removes excess moisture – Zucchini has a high water content. Drying removes some of this moisture so the zucchini browns better and absorbs flavors more easily when cooking.
- Prevents a watery texture – If excess moisture isn’t removed, cooked zucchini can turn out mushy with a watery texture.
- Allows even cooking – Drying ensures moisture doesn’t hamper cooking and cause raw spots in the zucchini.
- Maximizes flavor – Less moisture allows seasonings and marinades to better penetrate the zucchini for more flavor.
How to dry zucchini before cooking
Here are three simple methods for drying zucchini before cooking:
Pat dry
After washing, slicing or cutting the zucchini, lay pieces in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Gently pat the top of the zucchini pieces with another towel to absorb excess moisture.
Air dry
Arrange sliced or chopped zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray. Let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, turning halfway through. The exposed surfaces will dry out.
Salt and drain
Sprinkle zucchini slices or pieces lightly with salt. Let sit in a colander for 30-60 minutes, tossing occasionally. The salt will pull out moisture. Rinse briefly before cooking.
Tips for drying zucchini
- Slice zucchini no more than 1/4 inch thick for quick drying. Thicker cuts take longer to dry out.
- Use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Avoid using cloth towels that may transfer unwanted flavors.
- Trim zucchini ends which tend to be wetter than the middle section.
- Only a light sprinkling of salt is needed when salting to pull out moisture.
- For air drying, make sure air can circulate all around the zucchini pieces.
- When in doubt, pat slices dry again just before adding to a hot pan or dish.
How dry should zucchini be before cooking?
Zucchini doesn’t need to be completely dried out before cooking. It just needs enough moisture removed so it won’t steam or boil when exposed to heat. Here are some ways to check if your zucchini is dried enough:
- No visible moisture on the surface
- Slightly shriveled or wrinkled appearance
- Slices aren’t pliable or bendable
- Exterior feels dry to the touch
- Inner flesh still looks moist
If excess moisture is still present when cooking begins, the zucchini will likely turn mushy with a watery texture. Continue drying until the exterior is dry but the inside still looks moist.
How to cook dried zucchini
Once your zucchini is properly dried, it’s ready to be cooked through a variety of methods including:
Pan frying or sautéing
Dried zucchini slices can be cooked in olive oil or butter over medium-high heat until lightly browned. They will caramelize instead of steaming.
Baking
Toss dried zucchini with olive oil and seasonings, spread on a baking sheet and roast in a 425°F oven until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Grilling
Grill prepared zucchini slices or larger spears for great charred flavor. Lower moisture content prevents steaming.
Adding to recipes
Use dried zucchini pieces in casseroles, soups, stews, pastas, omelets or other dishes that contain liquid. It will absorb flavors as it cooks.
Can you cook zucchini without drying?
It’s possible to cook zucchini without drying it first, but the texture and flavor will be much better if you take the time to remove excess moisture.Cooking methods like boiling or steaming are more forgiving for wet zucchini. Opt for drying when pan frying, sautéing, roasting, or grilling.
Storing dried zucchini
For best results, dry zucchini right before cooking. But if you need to prep it in advance, here are some storage tips:
- Store dried zucchini slices or pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- Freeze dried zucchini in freezer bags or airtight containers for 2-3 months.
- Vacuum seal bags are great for freezing as they prevent freezer burn.
- Blanch zucchini before drying and freezing to help it retain texture.
Common ways to use dried zucchini
Here are some of the most popular ways to use zucchini after drying:
| Dish | Cooking Method |
|---|---|
| Zucchini fries | Oven baked |
| Sauteed zucchini | Pan fried |
| Zucchini boats | Baked with fillings |
| Zucchini pancakes | Pan fried |
| Grilled zucchini | Grilled |
Tips for cooking dried zucchini
Here are some top tips to ensure dried zucchini turns out great when cooking:
- Use high heat like pan frying in oil or baking at 425°F. Lower heat will cause excess moisture to be released.
- Cut uniform sized pieces so zucchini dries and cooks evenly.
- Toss grated or diced zucchini in cornstarch before cooking for an extra crispy texture.
- Roast or grill zucchini in high heat until charred for caramelized flavor.
- Check for doneness before removing from heat. Zucchini should be fork tender but not mushy.
Common mistakes when cooking dried zucchini
Watch out for these common missteps when cooking with dried zucchini:
- Not drying completely – Leads to mushy, watery texture
- Using low heat – Prevents browning and absorbs less seasoning
- Overcrowding pan – Causes steaming instead of sear
- Undercooking – Leaves raw, hard pieces
- Overcooking – Makes zucchini mushy
Serving ideas for cooked zucchini
Here are some delicious ways to serve zucchini once cooked:
Main dishes
- Zucchini lasagna with dried zucchini slices instead of noodles
- Zucchini fritters with herb yogurt dip
- Zucchini tacos with shredded dried zucchini
- Zucchini pizza crust
- Zucchini noodle pasta replacements
Side dishes
- Roasted zucchini with lemon and dill
- Sauteed zucchini “steaks”
- Grilled zucchini skewers
- Zucchini ribbon salad
- Fried zucchini sticks
Appetizers
- Zucchini fries with buttermilk ranch
- Zucchini pancakes with smoked salmon
- Zucchini boats with garlicky breadcrumbs
- Zucchini chips with herb dip
- Zucchini ribbons wrapped around cheese
Conclusion
Drying zucchini before cooking is a simple process that yields big rewards in texture and flavor. Allowing time for excess moisture to evaporate before exposing zucchini to high heat helps it caramelize and absorb flavors properly. Take the extra step to dry with towels, air, or salt before trying popular dishes like zucchini fries, pasta replacements, pancakes, baked boats, and more. With a few tips on prepping and cooking, you can get the most out of fresh zucchini.