Pan Seared Zucchini Recipes

PAN-SEARED ZUCCHINI WITH GARLIC AND BASIL

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, toss zucchini with kosher salt until the salt has coated most of the slices.
• Line a sheet pan with a clean dish towel or paper towels. Spread zucchini out on the paper towels and let rest for 20 minutes. (This will draw out moisture to give the zucchini a more concentrated flavor and better texture as it cooks.)
• Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl (you can use the same one you used to salt the zucchini, but wipe it out first), whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, and garlic.
• After zucchini has been resting for 20 minutes, roll it up in the dish towel / paper towels and gently rub it to remove moisture that gathered on its surface.
• Heat a large skillet with cooking oil over medium heat until the oil begins to shimmer.
• Add zucchini to the heated skillet in a single layer (do this in batches if needed; be careful not to crowd the pan or it won't brown). Let it sit in the hot pan, without turning, until golden brown on the bottom, 4 to 7 minutes. Gently flip the zucchini and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until tender, 6 to 7 minutes more.
• Add warm zucchini to the bowl with the olive oil dressing and toss gently to combine.
• Just before serving, fold in basil.

EASY PAN-FRIED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Rub zucchini slices with garlic.
• Place flour, egg, and bread crumbs separately in 3 small bowls. Turn zucchini slices in flour, dusting off excess. Dip in egg and turn in bread crumbs.
• Heat oil in a skillet and pan-fry breaded zucchini in batches on both sides until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

SEARED ZUCCHINI WITH CRISPY PARMESAN AND BLACK PEPPER

Steps:

• Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high for 2 minutes. (This will help you get a good sear.) Heat the oil, and when it shimmers, salt the zucchini and add it cut-side down in one layer (you will need to do this in two batches), and cook, undisturbed, until it begins to turn golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook 2 to 3 minutes more on the other side. Remove from the pan and set aside on a serving plate; repeat with remaining zucchini.
• While the second batch cooks, add the pepper to a small saucepan and toast over medium heat until it becomes fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the butter (it will quickly foam), and stir until the butter melts and the foam subsides. Remove from heat. Quickly add the grated cheese and stir vigorously to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan. It will melt in spots, it will crisp in spots and it will form frico-like clumps.These are all good things!
• Spoon the butter over the seared zucchini, making sure to catch all the black pepper and fried cheese bits, and shower with the herbs. Season with flaky salt, if you please.

CRISPY PAN-SEARED CHICKEN AND ZUCCHINI WITH OLIVES AND LEMON

Steps:

• Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Using the tip of your knife, deeply score cut sides in a crosshatch pattern, spacing about 1/2" apart. Toss zucchini and 1 tsp. salt in a colander set over a bowl. Let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels (discard any liquid in bowl).
• Meanwhile, coat a large cast-iron skillet with 1 Tbsp oil. Season chicken on all sides with 1/4 tsp. pepper and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and arrange in cold skillet (skin side down) in a single layer. Heat over medium and cook, undisturbed, until skin is deep golden brown and chicken is almost cooked through, 10-12 minutes. Turn chicken and continue to cook just until cooked through and lightly browned underneath, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a platter (skin side up).
• Arrange zucchini (cut side down) in hot chicken fat in skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until surfaces are charred, 6-8 minutes. Turn and continue to cook until skin side is browned, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to platter with chicken.
• Heat garlic and remaining 6 Tbsp. oil in a small saucepan over medium until garlic is sizzling and just barely beginning to brown, 3-4 minutes. Add chile and olives and cook, stirring occasionally, until chile starts to sizzle and brown slightly, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in oregano and lemon zest.
• Spoon garlic oil over zucchini and chicken. Squeeze some lemon juice over and serve with additional wedges alongside.