Zucchini is a popular summer squash that can be prepared in many ways, including frying. Some recipes call for salting the zucchini before frying, while others go straight to frying. So, should you salt zucchini before frying or not? There are good arguments on both sides of this debate.
Why Salt Zucchini Before Frying
There are a few reasons why salting zucchini before frying is recommended:
1. Removes Excess Moisture
Zucchini has a high water content, around 95% water. When fried, all this moisture can make the zucchini soggy and steaming hot. Salting draws out some of the moisture through osmosis. The salt pulls water to the surface of the zucchini slices, which can then be patted off with paper towels.
2. Reduces Splattering
All that moisture in zucchini can cause hot oil to violently splatter during frying. Salting helps wick away some of that moisture, so there is less splattering and popping when the zucchini hits the hot oil.
3. Enhances Flavor
Salting can enhance and deepen the flavor of zucchini. The salt penetrates the slices and brings out more of the flavor rather than just sitting on the surface.
How to Salt Zucchini for Frying
If you opt to salt your zucchini, here is a simple process:
- Slice zucchini about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Lay slices in a colander or on paper towels.
- Lightly sprinkle both sides with kosher salt (about 1/2 tsp per medium zucchini).
- Let sit 10-30 minutes, until moisture beads on the surface.
- Pat slices dry with paper towels.
- Proceed with your frying recipe.
Why You May Not Need to Salt
While salting zucchini before frying has some benefits, there are also reasons you may not need to bother:
1. Moisture Will Evaporate
The hot oil will quickly cause any moisture on the surface of the zucchini to evaporate. So even without salting, the zucchini will dry out and become crisp during frying.
2. Moist Interior Is Desired
In some cases, you may want the interior of the zucchini to remain moist and tender. Salting can make the zucchini drier overall.
3. Saltiness Can Be Added Later
If you want a salty zucchini flavor, you can simply salt the fried zucchini after cooking instead of before.
4. Time Saver
Skipping the salting step saves time in preparing the recipe.
Frying Tips for Zucchini
Here are some top tips for frying zucchini with or without salting:
- Use small, tender zucchini. Large zucchini can be fibrous and seedy.
- Cut zucchini evenly for consistent cooking. Zucchini tend to cook from the outside in.
- Pat zucchini very dry before frying for maximum browning.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F.
- Fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan and steaming instead of frying.
- Let excess oil drain off on a paper towel-lined plate after frying.
What About Frying Zucchini Blossoms?
Zucchini blossoms are also delicious when fried. For frying the delicate blossoms, it’s best not to salt them first. Go straight from harvesting to frying for the perfect texture.
RECIPES TO TRY
Fried Zucchini Sticks
For a classic appetizer or side, cut zucchini into sticks, salt or not, dredge in flour, and fry until golden brown.Serve with dipping sauce.
Tempura Fried Zucchini
Make a light tempura batter, dip zucchini slices, then fry for a crispy tempura-style treat. Omit salting so the batter sticks better.
Parmesan Fried Zucchini
After frying salted or unsalted zucchini slices, top them while hot out of the oil with freshly grated Parmesan cheese so it melts beautifully over the zucchini.
Fried Zucchini Blossoms
Stuff blossoms with cheese then fry for an elegant stuffed appetizer. Fry blossoms plain as well. Do not salt the delicate blossoms before frying.
Conclusion
So in summary, salting zucchini before frying can reduce moisture, splattering, and enhance flavor. However, it is not strictly necessary. Zucchini will still fry up crisp and delicious without salting first. Follow basic frying tips for best results either way. And enjoy experimenting with your favorite fried zucchini recipes!