How to Grate Zucchini: 4 Methods for Grating Zucchini

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), also known as a courgette or marrow, is a summer squash with a smooth green or yellow skin. Because it develops from a flower and contains seeds, zucchinis–like pumpkins, tomatoes, and eggplants–are actually fruits that are considered akin to vegetables in the kitchen. Zucchini is similar to cucumbers in that they are firm, grow on the vine, and are an average of eight inches long. You can consume zucchini raw, or cook zucchini in a variety of ways.

Before grating or shredding zucchini, rinse the zucchini to remove any dirt or waxy residue from grocery stores. You can grate or shred fresh zucchini in four ways:

1. 1. Box grater: Place the box grater, cheese grater, or shredder on top of a bowl or cutting board. Hold the tool steady with one hand and the zucchini in your dominant hand. Firmly press the zucchini against the largest holes in the box grater and run the zucchini down the side of the box grater. Repeat this motion until the zucchini is fully grated. Be careful not to cut your fingers against the box grater.
2. 2. Food processor: You can use a food processor to dice the zucchini into smaller pieces. Using the grating attachment will create shreds. Cut off the ends of the zucchini, slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and then into quarters before putting it in the food processor.
3. 3. Peeler: Quickly run the vegetable peeler down the side of the zucchini in small quick motions, making sure you’re running it in one direction. This will create small pieces of zucchini.
4. 4. Spiralizer: You can use a handheld spiralizer or a spiralizer attachment on a stand mixer with a fine blade to cut zucchini into noodle shapes, also known as zoodles. These low-carb noodles are a gluten-free option for pasta dishes. Follow your tool’s instructions to properly attach and slice the zucchini.

After you grate or shred your zucchini, squeeze the zucchini pieces through a cheesecloth, clean kitchen towel, paper towel, or colander to remove the excess water.

You can combine grated zucchini or shredded zucchini with eggs, parmesan cheese, and flour and fry in batches in the pan or air fryer to make crispy zucchini fritters, a tasty side dish. You can sauté spiralized zucchini noodles in olive oil or pasta sauce, add the noodles to a stir fry dish, or layer the noodles to make lasagna. Other grated zucchini recipes include zucchini frittata, and quickbreads like zucchini bread, zucchini muffins, zucchini pancakes, zucchini brownies, and zucchini cake.

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