Quick & Flavorful Zucchini Stir Fry – Ready in 10 Minutes

Looking for a healthy and delicious side dish? This Zucchini Stir Fry is a perfect choice! Made with fresh zucchini, and a blend of aromatic spices, this recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and ready in under 10 minutes. It's a great addition to your weeknight meals or a filling for wraps and sandwiches.​

Looking to add a delicious twist to your vegetable dishes? Try this mouthwatering Indian Zucchini recipe.

Bursting with aromatic spices and rich flavors, this zucchini stir-fry is a delightful fusion of Indian flavors and Western ingredients, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a flavorful and healthy side dish.

This vibrant and aromatic dish is a perfect fusion of zucchini and Indian spices, offering a healthy and flavorful addition to your meals in less the 20 minutes.

Looking for more Zucchini recipes? Zucchini Paratha, Spinach Zucchini Stir Fry, Quick Zucchini Bhuna Masala using homemade bhuna masala (everyday Indian curry sauce), Zucchini Cheese Bread, Zucchini Kofta Curry, and decadent Chocolate Zucchini Bread.

Jump to:

• About Zucchini Stir Fry
• Health Benefits Of Zucchini
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variation & Substitutions
• Make-Ahead & Storage
• Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Stir Fry
• FAQ's
• Serving Suggestions
• Quick & Flavorful Zucchini Stir Fry – Ready in 10 Minutes
• Make-Ahead & Storage
• Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Stir Fry
• Variation & Substitutions
• Lauki [Opo Squash] Recipes

About Zucchini Stir Fry

Sabji" or "sabzi" in Indian cuisine refers to a vegetable dish often prepared with various spices and seasonings. While zucchini is not a traditional Indian vegetable, it can be used to make a delicious and flavorful zucchini curry by adapting Indian cooking techniques and flavors.

Indian Zucchini Stir Fry is a flavorful and aromatic dish made by sautéing zucchini with a blend of Indian spices and seasonings. Zucchini stir fry can be prepared in various ways.

Typically, it includes common ingredients used in Indian cooking like onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and various spices such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, and red chili powder.

The dish is cooked until the zucchini is tender but still retains some crunch, and it is garnished with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.

Indian Zucchini Stir Fry is a delightful fusion of Western ingredients (zucchini) prepared with Indian flavors, making it a delicious side dish or main course when served with rice or Indian bread.

Health Benefits Of Zucchini

Zucchini is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that offers several health benefits:

Low in Calories: Zucchini is very low in calories, making it a great choice for those looking to manage their weight or reduce calorie intake.

High in Fiber: Zucchini is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps maintain a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management.

Rich in Vitamins: Zucchini is a good source of several vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and various B vitamins. These vitamins play important roles in immune function, skin health, vision, and overall well-being.

Hydration: Zucchini has a high water content (over 90%), which helps keep you hydrated and supports overall bodily functions.

Low in Carbohydrates: Zucchini is relatively low in carbohydrates, particularly in comparison to starchy vegetables, making it a suitable option for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets.

Weight Management: Due to its low calorie and high fiber content, zucchini can be included in weight management diets. It adds volume to meals without adding many calories.

Remember that the way you prepare zucchini can impact its nutritional profile. For example, grilling or roasting zucchini with minimal added fats can help retain its nutrients.

Ingredients

To make Indian-style Zucchini Stir Fry, you'll need the following ingredients:

Zucchini: You'll need 2 medium-sized zucchini for this recipe. Wash them and dice or slice them into small pieces. You can choose to peel the zucchinis or leave the skin on, depending on your preference.

Spices: Cumin seeds, Turmeric powder, Coriander powder, Red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference), Amchur powder (Dried Mango Powder), and salt to taste.

Oil: You'll need 2 tablespoons of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or mustard oil, for sautéing the ingredients.

Fresh Cilantro (Optional): Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish. Cilantro adds a fresh, element and visual appeal to the dish.

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and aromatic Indian-style zucchini stir-fry. You can adjust the spices and chili to suit your taste preferences, making it milder or spicier as desired. This dish is typically served as a side dish with

Indian Zucchini Stir Fry is a delightful fusion of Western ingredients (zucchini) prepared with Indian flavors, making it a delicious side dish or main course when served with rice or Indian bread like roti or naan, accompanied by Homemade Yogurt.

Instructions

Here's a simple and delicious Indian recipe for Zucchini Sabzi (Zucchini Stir-Fry):

Step: 1 Heat the oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Step: 2 Now add the diced or sliced zucchini pieces and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Step: 3 Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, amchur powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well incorporated.

Step: 4 Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini becomes tender. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You can add a splash of water if it starts to stick to the pan.

Step: 5 Once the zucchini is cooked and has absorbed the flavors of the spices, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step: 6 Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread (roti or naan).

Enjoy your delicious Indian-style zucchini curry! You can adjust the spice levels to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.

Variation & Substitutions

Indian Zucchini Stir Fry is a versatile dish, and there are several variations you can try to suit your taste preferences or to use up different ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

Zucchini and Potato Stir Fry: Add diced potatoes along with the zucchini for a heartier dish. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the potatoes cook through.

Zucchini and Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese): Add cubed paneer to the stir-fry for a protein boost. You can even marinate the paneer in yogurt and spices for extra flavor.

Zucchini and Lentil Stir Fry: Cook red or yellow lentils (masoor dal or toor dal) separately and then combine them with the zucchini stir-fry for added protein and texture. Or try this easy Lauki Chana Dal Recipe.

Chickpea and Zucchini Stir Fry: Add cooked chickpeas (chana) to make the dish more substantial and protein-rich.

Tomato and Zucchini Curry: Turn it into a saucier dish by adding tomatoes and a bit of water or vegetable broth. Simmer until you have a thicker curry sauce like this Lauki Ki Sabji.

Tofu and Zucchini: If you prefer a plant-based option, use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan zucchini stir-fry.

Zucchini and Peas: Add frozen or fresh peas to the stir-fry for a pop of sweetness and color.

Zucchini and Garam Masala: Enhance the dish with a touch of garam masala at the end of cooking for a warm and aromatic flavor.

Feel free to combine these variations or create your own by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Indian cuisine is incredibly adaptable, and you can customize your zucchini stir-fry to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Preparation: Chop vegetables a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.​
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as zucchini may become soggy upon thawing.​
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a tablespoon of water or in the microwave until warm

Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Stir Fry

Zucchini Selection: Choose firm and fresh zucchini; avoid soft ones as they have inedible pulp.​

Uniform Cutting: Try to cut the zucchini pieces uniformly to ensure they cook evenly. This will also improve the presentation of the dish.

Don't Overcook: Zucchini can become mushy if overcooked, so be mindful of the cooking time. Cook until the zucchini is tender but still has a slight crunch.

Spice Level: Indian cuisine offers a wide range of spices, and you can adjust the spice levels to your liking. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of green chili and red chili powder.

Tempering: When using cumin seeds, heat them in oil until they splutter before adding other ingredients. This releases their nutty flavor and enhances the dish.

Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves not only add flavor but also a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also consider garnishing with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

Serve Hot: Zucchini stir-fry is best enjoyed immediately after cooking while it's still hot and fresh.

Cooking Equipment: Using a wok or cast iron skillet enhances the stir-frying process.​

FAQ's

Serving Suggestions

This zucchini stir fry pairs wonderfully with roti, paratha, steamed rice, or millet. For added flavor, serve it alongside raita, pickle, and a fresh kachumber salad.​

Some paratha (flatbread) recipes: Lauki paratha, Zucchini paratha, Methi paratha, Palak paratha, and Methi Thepla.

Lauki [Opo Squash] Recipes