How to Grate Zucchini – We get it. It’s near the end of summer and you have a major overstock of zucchini in your fridge. Or maybe you just over bought at the grocery store. Either way, we’re showing you more than one way to grate zucchini so that rather than ending up in the compost, it’ll be the star of the show in your next sweet or savory recipe.
How To Grate Zucchini: A Step-by-Step Guide
While spelling zucchini isn’t the easiest, baking or cooking with it is. It’s mild flavor, texture, and hearty nutrition lends itself beautifully to some of our favorite desserts, sauces, side dishes, and main courses; Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies, Zucchini Spaghetti, and Zucchini Boats to name a few. So if you’re thinking, “what can I do with my excess zucchinis,” you’ve come to the right place.
And if you are still finding yourself with excess zucchini – check out our tutorial on How to Freeze Zucchini!
What You Will Need
- zucchini – Just one will do, but grab more depending on what your recipe calls for.
- box grater or cheese grater – This is the more manual option, but will work just as well as other methods.
- food processor – We love our food processor around here, especially when we’re in a time crunch.
- cheese cloth – If you plan on draining your zucchini, a cheese cloth is a handy tool. And if it’s not available, squeezing with your hands will work just fine.
Read Also: our guide on How to Cut Zucchini
What Size Zucchini Is Best
We recommend using a small-medium sized zucchini for grating as they are less likely to have large seeds to work around. A medium zucchini will result in approximately 1 cup of shredded zucchini. If you happen to be using a larger zucchini and the seeds are large, cut the zucchini lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
Should I Peel the Zucchini Before Grating
Nope. Just make sure to rise and dry it to remove any dirt or grime.
Do I Need to Drain My Grated Zucchini
This all depends on the recipe that you’re using your grated zucchini for. Check out the notes section in the recipe card for how to drain grated zucchini.
How To Freeze Grated Zucchini
Good question. Check out our full tutorial on how to freeze shredded or sliced zucchini. If you’re looking for the cliff notes version, grate, sprinkle with salt, let sit, squeeze out the moisture, place in an airtight, freezer safe container, and place in freezer. To keep your zucchini from getting soggy, really make sure you squeeze out as much water as possible.
How to Grate Zucchini with a Box Grater
Cut approximately 1/4 inch off each end and discard. Place grater over cutting board or plate and hold the grater with one hand and the zucchini with the other. Run end of zucchini up and down the grater with even pressure. Watch those fingers as you get near the end of the zucchini and discard the end.
How to Grate Zucchini with a Food Processor
Set up your food processor and ensure that the grating disc is set inside with the grating holes facing up. Cut approximately 1/4 inch off both ends and inert one end of the zucchini into the food chute and press down on the other end with the food pusher. Turn your food processor on and firmly press down on the zucchini while it shreds.
Grated Zucchini Recipes
The opportunities are endless here, my friends. Grated zucchini can be used in pasta sauces, baked goods, and side dishes, But one of our favorites is this Double- Chocolate Zucchini Brownies recipe.
And don’t forget about our light and fluffy Gluten-Free Zucchini muffins. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
How to Freeze Grated Zucchini
Simply squeeze as much moisture out of your grated zucchini as possible, place in an airtight, freezer safe container, and freeze for 3-4 months.
Stasher bags are one of our favorite ways to store our grated zucchini, both in the fridge and in the freezer.
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How to Grate Zucchini
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Approx. 1 cup
- Category: How-To
- Method: Counter Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
How to Grate Zucchini – learn how to grate zucchini with a grater and with a food processor! So simple and perfect for freezing zucchini!
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini, rinsed and dried
Instructions
Using a Box Grater or Cheese Grater:
- Cut approx. 1/4 inch off of each ends, discard.
- Place grater over cutting board or plate. Hold the grater with one hand and the zucchini with the other. Run end of zucchini (the one farther away from your hand) up and own the grater with even pressure. Continue until you have only a small piece of zucchini left – discard so you don’t get too close to your hand.
Using a Food Processor:
- Cut approx. 1/4 inch off of each ends, discard.
- Ensure the grating disc is set up in your food processor – grating holes face up. Attach top of the food processor. Insert one end of the zucchini into the food chute and press down on the other end with the food pusher. Turn food processor on and firmly press down on the zucchini while it shreds.
Notes
- Draining (if needed): a lot of recipes (especially baked goods) often require that the shredded zucchini be drained before use. To do this use approx. 1 teaspoon kosher salt for every 2 cups of shredded zucchini. Mix and let sit 10-15 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid (can be done in a cheesecloth or with clean hands). Use as directed in recipe.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- Freezer: Grated zucchini will last 3-4 months while in a freezer safe container. Here is our tutorial on How to Freeze Zucchini!
Elise says
Just grate it, etc. Put in a small plastic colander over a bowl for::: overnight or even 24hours, the drain bowl works out perfect everytime.