Pan-fried zucchini is a quick, easy, and healthy, versatile side dish for any meal! Enjoy the sauteed zucchini with garlic, lemon, and parmesan as I have, or experiment with tons of other seasoning options - just 10 minutes from start to finish!
Mince the garlic, finely chop the herbs, and squeeze the lemon juice.
Rinse the zucchini well and cut it into slices around ½-inch thick using either a sharp knife (or a mandoline/food processor slicing disk for all even-sized pieces).The size of your zucchini will affect how to cut it. Small ones can be cut into rounds, medium into half-moons, and large ones can be chopped into quarter moons or even cubed.
Heat the oil and butter in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring often.
Add the zucchini, ensuring that it doesn't overlap too much (cook in batches if necessary). Some overlap is okay, but not multiple layers. Stir to mix it with the garlic, then leave them to cook for just 2-3 minutes, until the bottom browns. Then flip and repeat- this entire process should only take around 5 minutes.Be careful not to stir the sauteed zucchini pieces too much (like sauteed mushrooms). Otherwise, the pieces won't brown and crisp up. I flipped/stirred them 2-3 times only.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the lemon juice, chopped herbs, and grated parmesan. Finally, season to taste and enjoy!
Storage Instructions
Store: I don't recommend making pan-fried zucchini too far in advance, as the results are best immediately after cooking. However, you can save any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days (it will soften as it sits).Reheat: I recommend reheating the zucchini in a skillet with a swirl of oil to bring back a little of the crispness. You can also reheat them in the oven or air fryer.
Notes
Use the right pan: You'll need to use a large, wide pan that will allow you to add the zucchini without piling it all up (which will cause it to steam and become soggy). Cook it in batches if necessary.
Cut even-sized pieces: This will ensure they all pan-fry at the same rate.
Add salt at the end: Salt draws out the excess liquid from the zucchini. If you add it early on, it will cause soggy sauteed zucchini. So only add it right at the end.
Be careful not to overcook the zucchini: The longer it cooks, the more water it releases and the mushier it gets. You want it to be tender-crisp.
Don't slice it too thin: This will lead to mushy pan-fried zucchini that won't hold its shape or crisp up. I recommend not slicing the pieces any thinner than ¼-inch, but ½ inch is even better. Add an extra minute of cooking for thicker pieces.
Don't stir too much: You need to allow the veg time to brown and achieve a sear. Only stir/flip them a couple of times throughout the process for the best results.
Check the blog post for more notes, serving suggestions, and answers to top FAQs!