These Crispy Zucchini Fritters bring together grated zucchini, eggs, sesame, and melting cheese—crispy on the outside, tender inside. Served with a tangy garlic-mustard sauce, they’re ideal as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. Easy to make and full of flavor, these fritters are bound to become a favorite.
Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 20 minutes (including draining)
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Cook Time: 10 minutes (2–3 minutes per batch)
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 8–10 fritters
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
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1 large zucchini
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Salt, to taste
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2 eggs
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2 tsp sesame seeds
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100 ml milk
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60–80 g well-melting cheese (e.g. mozzarella or cheddar)
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Ground black pepper, oregano, dried parsley, to taste
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3 Tbsp wheat flour
For Breading:
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4 Tbsp rice flour
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½ tsp dried garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper
For Frying:
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Vegetable oil, well-heated
For the Garlic-Mustard Sauce:
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3 Tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Splash of lemon juice and zest
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1 Tbsp grainy mustard (medium-spicy)
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Dried dill (or fresh, to taste)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Drain the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini and place in a bowl. Season with salt and let sit 5–10 minutes. Squeeze out the excess moisture—this ensures a crispy texture. -
Mix the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, milk, sesame seeds, grated cheese, pepper, oregano, and parsley. Add the zucchini and stir to coat evenly. Sprinkle in flour and mix until combined. -
Prepare the Breading
In a shallow dish, combine rice flour, dried garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. -
Bread the Fritters
Shape small fritters with your hands and coat them in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. -
Fry Until Golden
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place fritters in a single layer and fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain briefly on paper towels. -
Make the Sauce
While frying, whisk together sour cream (or yogurt), garlic, lemon juice and zest, mustard, and dill. Chill until ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (approx per fritter)
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Calories: ~90 kcal
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Protein: 4 g
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Fat: 6 g
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Carbohydrates: 5 g
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Fiber: 1 g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Zucchini fritters are common throughout Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisines. Variations often include cheese and herbs, while the sesame adds a Middle Eastern twist. Paired with tangy sauces, these fritters are a popular and accessible vegetable dish.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and flavorful snack or side
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Crispy crust with tender, cheesy interior
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Includes simple, everyday ingredients
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Great for gatherings or family meals
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Pairs well with a variety of sauces
Health Benefits
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Zucchini provides vitamins A, C, and potassium
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Sesame adds fiber, healthy fats, and minerals
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Greek yogurt or sour cream in the sauce contributes probiotics and protein
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Minimal oil used, especially since rice flour browns quickly
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with the garlic-mustard sauce
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Pair with a crisp side salad or hummus
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Add as a side to grilled fish or chicken
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Arrange on a sharing platter with olives and veggies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not draining zucchini—leads to soggy fritters
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Overcrowding the pan—prevents crispness
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Cooking on too high heat—can burn exterior before cooking through
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Skipping sauce time—letting the mustard sauce chill boosts flavor
Pairing Recommendations
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Drinks: Iced tea with lemon, light beer, crisp white wine
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Sides: Roasted red peppers, pickled cucumbers, or tabbouleh
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Desserts: Fresh fruit salad or lemon sorbet for contrast
Cooking Tips
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Brush or rub oil on the grater before grating cheese to prevent sticking
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Use rice flour for a crispier crust with less oil absorption
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Adjust cheese amount based on how melty you want them
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Keep fried fritters warm in an oven at 150 °C (300 °F) while cooking batches
Similar Recipes to Try
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Parmesan-Zucchini Latkes
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Cheddar & Corn Fritters
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Sweet Potato & Zucchini Patties
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Chickpea & Spinach Fritters
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Potato & Zucchini Hash Browns
Variations to Try
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Add heat: Mix in finely chopped chili or hot paprika
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Make it vegan: Use flax egg, omit cheese, and substitute yogurt
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Herby: Incorporate fresh basil, cilantro, or chives
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Nuttier: Sprinkle additional sesame or toasted pine nuts on top
Ingredient Spotlight: Rice Flour
Rice flour makes excellent breading—it crisps beautifully and absorbs less oil than wheat flour. It’s naturally gluten-free and ideal for achieving a light, crunchy crust with minimal grease.
Conclusion
Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Sesame & Garlic-Mustard Sauce are a delicious twist on a classic veggie dish. With a golden exterior, cheesy interior, and tangy dipping sauce, they offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just half an hour, they make a perfect snack or side for any occasion. Try them once, and you’ll want to make them again—and again!
10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes—bake at 200 °C (390 °F) for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—if you use rice flour for both batter and breading.
3. How do I prevent soggy fritters?
Always drain the zucchini well after salting and pressing.
4. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda will melt nicely and add flavor.
5. Can I skip the sesame seeds?
Yes, or replace them with poppy or flax seeds for texture.
6. How long does the sauce last?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
7. Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
Absolutely—make it in advance and keep chilled while frying.
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8. How do I keep fritters warm?
Place them on a baking sheet in a 150 °C oven until ready to serve.
9. Are these suitable for meal prep?
Yes—you can refrigerate cooked fritters and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just adjust frying time accordingly and cook in batches to maintain crispness.