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.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized zucchinis washed and diced or sliced
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon amchur powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder adjust to your spice preference
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the diced zucchini pieces and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once the zucchini is cooked and has absorbed the flavors of the spices, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread (roti or naan).
- Enjoy your delicious Indian-style zucchini sabzi! You can adjust the spice levels to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
Notes
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.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.Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Quick & Flavorful Zucchini Stir Fry – Ready in 10 Minutes
Amount per Serving
Calories
86
% Daily Value*
Fat
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Sodium
13
mg
1
%
Potassium
284
mg
8
%
Carbohydrates
4
g
1
%
Fiber
2
g
8
%
Sugar
3
g
3
%
Protein
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
273
IU
5
%
Vitamin C
18
mg
22
%
Calcium
26
mg
3
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimer
Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
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