Sharon Halpers Fried Zucchini Food

FRIED ZUCCHINI WITH CRISPY LEMONS AND CRISPY HERBS

Steps:

• Combine the panko, plain breadcrumbs, Parmesan and cayenne in a medium bowl. Whisk together the eggs with 1 tablespoon cold water in another medium bowl. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer on a baking sheet, flesh-side up, and sprinkle with salt. Submerge the zucchini wedges in the egg mixture. Remove the pieces one by one, shaking off the excess egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs, pressing well so they are coated on all sides and the breadcrumbs adhere. Arrange in a single layer on the same baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 12 hours.
• Fry the lemon and herbs: Pour the oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot with a fitted lid and attach a deep-fry thermometer. Heat to 325 degrees F.
• Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Drop the thin lemon rounds into the oil and fry until lightly browned and crisped, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and spread on one half of the lined baking sheet to cool.
• Raise the oil to 350 degrees F. Herbs tend to splatter when they hit hot oil, so have the fitted lid for the pot ready in one hand. Dry any excess moisture from the herbs, then drop the parsley and the basil in the oil with your other hand and immediately cover and fry until they turn darker green, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with the slotted spoon and spread on the other half of the baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat the same process with the oregano.
• Bring the oil back to 350 degrees F. Test the oil by dropping in one piece of zucchini. It should rise to the surface fairly quickly, begin to bubble and fry gradually. Line two baking sheets with kitchen towels. Drop half the zucchini into the oil and gently, slowly "swirl" the oil with the slotted spoon as they fry so they cook evenly. Cook until light to medium brown, 2 to 3 minutes, then remove them slowly with the slotted spoon and lay them out on a kitchen towel to cool. Sprinkle with salt. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.
• Layer the zucchini with the herbs and lemon slices on a large serving plate, and serve with the lemon wedges.

FRIED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F.
• Stir 1 1/2 cups Parmesan, the panko, and salt in a medium bowl to blend. Whisk the eggs in another medium bowl to blend. Working in batches, dip the zucchini in the eggs to coat completely and allow the excess egg to drip back into the bowl. Coat the zucchini in the panko mixture, patting to adhere and coat completely. Place the zucchini strips on a baking sheet.
• When the oil is hot, working in batches, fry the zucchini sticks until they are golden brown, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried zucchini to paper towels and drain.
• Arrange the fried zucchini on a platter. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and serve.

SHARON HALPER'S FRIED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Sift the flour into a large bowl. Add the salt, olive oil, egg yolks, nutmeg, wine and water, one ingredient at a time, stirring well after each addition. Stir until the batter is smooth. Cover and let stand in a cool place for 2 hours.
• Fill a heavy pot or deep fryer with 2 inches of vegetable oil. Place over high heat and heat to 360 degrees using a deep-fat thermometer.
• While the oil is heating, place the egg whites in a small bowl and beat them until they are stiff but not dry. Fold the whites into the batter.
• Working in batches, dip the zucchini sticks into the batter and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry the sticks, turning them occasionally, until they are golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them from the fat and drain on double-layered paper towels. Continue until all the zucchini is fried.
• Transfer the zucchini to a serving plate covered with a paper towel and sprinkle them with coarse salt. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately.

NEELY'S FRIED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Preheat oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
• Measure flour into a pie plate. In another pie plate combine panko, Parmesan, parsley, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper, to taste. In a third plate add eggs and water. Dredge the zucchini in the flour, followed by the egg and finally in the panko.
• Working in batches, place the breaded zucchini slices in the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel lined sheet tray and immediately season with salt and pepper. Serve alongside the zucchini.
• For the sauce:
• Add all the ingredients into a serving bowl and mix until incorporated. Cover with plastic wrap and let flavors marinate for at least 1 hour.

WORLD'S BEST FRIED ZUCCHINI

Steps:

• Heat electric fry pan to 250°F.
• Mix eggs and milk in bowl.
• Soak handful of zucchini slices in mixture.
• Lightly shake them off and coat them with flour.
• Place each slice in the fry pan with plenty of butter.
• Repeat until all slices are in the pan.
• Cook until each side is dark brown.
• Salt and pepper slices to taste.
• Enjoy!