Looking for a delicious and healthy snack that will wow your taste buds? Say hello to Grilled Zucchini Fries with Lemon Vinaigrette! These crispy, golden-brown fries are not only a fantastic way to enjoy your veggies, but they also pack a punch of flavor with a zesty lemon dressing that elevates every bite. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight side dish, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to transform your zucchini into a mouthwatering treat? Let’s dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon (for vinaigrette)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchinis by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the ends. Cut each zucchini into uniform french fry-like sticks, approximately 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Pat the zucchini sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Gently roll each zucchini stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks completely to all sides.
- For the lemon vinaigrette, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Carefully place the breaded zucchini fries on the preheated grill, ensuring they are positioned perpendicular to the grates to prevent falling through.
- Grill the zucchini fries for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating carefully with tongs to achieve even golden-brown grill marks and crispy exterior.
- Remove the grilled zucchini fries from the heat and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly and set the crispy coating.
- Arrange the grilled zucchini fries on a serving platter and drizzle with the prepared lemon vinaigrette just before serving.
- Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Choose the Right Zucchini: Opt for medium-sized zucchinis that are firm and free of blemishes. They will hold up better on the grill and provide the perfect texture for fries.
- Uniform Cuts: For even cooking, cut your zucchini into uniform sticks. This ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate and achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
- Dry Them Well: Patting the zucchini sticks dry before breading is crucial. Removing excess moisture helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere better, resulting in a crispier finish.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the zucchini fries. This helps to achieve those beautiful grill marks and a nice char.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the zucchini fries on the grill, leave enough space between them. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than grill, leading to a soggy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Vinaigrette: The lemon vinaigrette is what ties the dish together. Feel free to adjust the acidity by adding more lemon juice or olive oil to suit your taste.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve these fries hot off the grill. They are at their crispiest and most flavorful right after cooking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
