Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters | Easy Zucchini Recipe (2024)

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Katerina

4.73 from 22 votes

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These Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters are packed with quinoa and zucchini. One of my favorite summer zucchini recipes, these fritters are super delicious and very easy to make!

Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters | Easy Zucchini Recipe (2)

Zucchini Fritters

If you’re on the hunt for a tasty and wholesome dish that speaks summer vibes, look no further! Our Garlicky and Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters are a wonderful fusion of fresh zucchini and nutrient-rich quinoa bundled into bite-sized fritters for an easy-to-enjoy meal.

Due to the abundance of vegetables provided by my parent’s enormous vegetable garden, it’s much easier to eat well and eat right. If you’re growing your own zucchini, you know they can quickly fill your garden. We try to enjoy them in many ways – fried, baked, grilled, or mixed into this tasty Creamy Parmesan Baked Zucchini!

Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters | Easy Zucchini Recipe (3)

Our love for wholesome, flavorsome food inspired us to pair two power-packed ingredients—zucchini and quinoa. Add to this the irresistible allure of cheese and garlic, and you have a recipe that promises an explosion of flavors with every bite.

Ingredients

The following ingredients and instructions will guide you in creating these mouth-watering fritters. Scroll down to the recipe card for complete information on ingredients and directions.

  • zucchini
  • quinoa
  • egg
  • garlic
  • seasonings
  • parmigiano reggiano
  • panko crumbs

How To Make Zucchini Fritters With Quinoa

  1. Salt the zucchini and let it rest for 10 minutes, then pat it dry.
  2. Meanwhile, boil the quinoa, simmer for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
  3. In a big bowl, mix together the zucchini, quinoa, egg, garlic, oregano, cheese, and crumbs. Add salt and pepper.
  4. Fry the patties/fritters in olive oil until golden. Transfer them onto a paper towel to drain.
  5. Serve with yogurt, sour cream, soy sauce, or your favorite dip.
Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters | Easy Zucchini Recipe (4)

What sets this recipe apart is its flexibility. Want to prep ahead? No problem—you can prepare the quinoa mixture a few days in advance and fry the fritters when you’re ready to serve. These versatile bites can fit into your menu as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a quick snack.

Tips and Variations

  • Choosing Zucchini: Opt for medium-sized zucchini as they tend to have less water; the less water, the crispier your fritters will be.
  • Drain Well: Ensuring your zucchini is properly drained is key to preventing soggy fritters. Be sure to give the grated zucchini a good squeeze to remove as much water as possible. A cheesecloth or a clean tea towel can be very helpful for this.
  • Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and cheeses to add a personal twist to your fritters. You might also consider adding finely chopped onions or shallots for an extra flavor punch.
  • Frying: For the crispiest fritters, be sure not to crowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary, and keep the heat at a medium level to ensure even cooking without burning.
  • Storing & Reheating: Leftover fritters can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and are best reheated in the oven or in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

  • These fritters are a versatile addition to any meal. Pair them with a side of mixed greens for a light, balanced lunch, or serve them alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier dinner. They can also be served as an appetizer, paired with a cheesy Lasagna Dip! 😋
  • Don’t forget a cool Cucumber Mojito 😉 with a side of Chocolate Mousse Cake. 😬
Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters | Easy Zucchini Recipe (5)

So why wait? Dive into this delightful recipe and bring flavor and nutrition to your table with our Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters. This is a quick and hearty summer lunch/dinner/snack/appetizer – enjoyit as you see fit. They are so simple and delicious that it would be a shame not to try these fritters!

More Zucchini Fritters To Try

  • Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters
  • Zucchini Chicken Fritters

ENJOY!

Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters | Easy Zucchini Recipe (6)

Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters

Katerina | Diethood

These garlicky and cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters are one of my favorite summer zucchini recipes; the fritters are super delicious and very easy to make!

4.73 from 22 votes

Rate this Recipe!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 2 cups grated zucchini
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ cup quinoa
  • 1 whole egg
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup grated fresh parmigiano-reggiano cheese
  • 1 cup panko crumbs
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil

Optional

  • Yogurt
  • Sour Cream
  • Marinara
  • Soy Sauce

Instructions

  • Place zucchini in a colander and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then wring zucchini dry with a paper towel.

  • In the meantime, prepare the quinoa. Combine water and quinoa in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer; cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let stand for 10 minutes.

  • In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, cooked quinoa, egg, garlic, oregano, fresh cheese, and panko crumbs. Season with salt and pepper; mix until thoroughly combined.

  • Heat the oil in a skillet. Shape the zucchini-quinoa mixture into 2 to 3-inch patties. Working in batches, add these to the skillet, flattening slightly with a spatula; cook over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer fritters to a paper towel–lined plate.

  • Serve with yogurt, sour cream, marinara, soy sauce, or any dip of your choice.

Notes

  • Drain Zucchini Well: Salt the zucchini and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, squeeze out as much water as possible for non-soggy fritters. Don’t skip this part, please.
  • Experiment with Seasoning: Try different herbs, spices, cheeses, or chopped onions for extra flavor.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches on medium heat for even, crisp cooking.
  • Store and Reheat Properly: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Patty | Calories: 135 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 0.03 g | Cholesterol: 9 mg | Sodium: 246 mg | Potassium: 91 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 94 IU | Vitamin C: 3 mg | Calcium: 93 mg | Iron: 0.4 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best zucchini recipes, easy zucchini recipes, zucchini dinner ideas, zucchini fritters

Did you make this recipe?Leave a Rating!

Categories:

  • Appetizers
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Snacks
  • Southwestern Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
  • Fried Zucchini Chips with Garlic Vinaigrette
  • Zucchini Tomato Bake
  • Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Garlicky & Cheesy Quinoa Zucchini Fritters | Easy Zucchini Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why are my zucchini fritters sticking to the pan? ›

Make sure you thoroughly dry your zucchini before preparing the batter so the binding agents (flour, egg, and breadcrumbs) can hold the fritters together. You'll also want to use a non-stick skillet and oil to make sure the fritters don't get stuck to the pan.

Why are my courgette fritters soggy? ›

A common reason for soggy fritters is because they have not had all the moisture drained from them properly, AND from undercooking. To remedy this, make sure you squeeze out as much extra liquid as possible, fry them until very crispy, and drain them on a paper towel to retain the crispiness.

How do you cook zucchini so it doesn't get mushy? ›

Don't overcrowd the pan, which can cause the zucchini to steam instead of roast. Unless you have time to salt and drain the zucchini, wait to salt it until after they're cooked so the salt doesn't draw out the moisture in the oven—this can lead to sogginess.

How do you keep zucchini crisp when cooking? ›

Slice and salt zucchini in advance of cooking to draw out some of the vegetable's excess moisture (while also seasoning it more thoroughly). To do this, cut up a pound of zucchini and toss it with ½ teaspoon of table salt. Let it drain in a colander for about 30 minutes before patting it dry and cooking it.

Does zucchini get softer the longer you cook it? ›

Zucchini is made of over 90% water. When cooked, it gets soft and slowly releases that water into whatever dish you're cooking. If zucchini is overcooked, it will have a mushy, soft texture.

How many cups is 2 pounds of zucchini? ›

Zucchini is fat free, cholesterol free, low in sodium, rich in manganese and vitamin C and has more potassium than a banana. One pound of zucchini equals about 4 cups grated zucchini; 2 cups of salted and squeezed zucchini; about 1 cup mashed zucchini; and 3 cups chunked zucchini.

How do you keep fritters from sticking? ›

Get the skillet searing hot.

A pan that's too cool will create a lackluster crust that could result in a floppy fritter if you're not careful. In my experience, a cast iron skillet ($15; amazon.com) is the best option for fritters. It gets incredibly hot and is naturally non-stick (if it's seasoned properly).

Should zucchini bread be cool before removing from pan? ›

Don't leave the loaf in the pan too long – Once you remove the bread from the oven, let it sit for 10 to15 minutes. But after that, it should be turned out onto a cooling rack to finish cooling. Otherwise, the edges can get a little too done in the still-hot pan.

How do you keep vegetables from sticking to the pan? ›

06/7​Simple greasing

Just wash, clean and brush some oil over the surface to prevent food from sticking to the pan. You can also dip a cotton ball in oil and wipe the cooking surface of the pan, which is enough to prevent food from sticking. Make sure you repeat this 2-3 times to form a coat.

Should you salt and drain zucchini before cooking? ›

Salt causes zucchini rounds to release excess water. This important extra step helps the zucchini to sauté rather than stew in its own juices.

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