Sizzling Zucchini Chops with Garlic-Dill Dip Recipe

My kitchen adventure with zucchini chops began on a lazy summer afternoon when unexpected flavor combinations sparked culinary magic.

Crisp vegetables from local farmers markets inspire creative cooking techniques.

Fresh ingredients transform simple meals into memorable experiences.

Herbs and seasonings unlock hidden potential in every dish.

Dill adds a tangy brightness that perfectly complements the tender vegetable.

Mediterranean-inspired recipes like this bring excitement to weeknight dinners.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this easy, delightful recipe.

Why Zucchini Chops With Garlic-Dill Dip Are A Crunchy Favorite

• Boost Veggie Appeal: Transform zucchini into a crispy, irresistible dish that even picky eaters will devour, making vegetable consumption a delightful experience.
• Customize with Ease: Swap herbs, adjust spices, or modify coating to match personal taste preferences, turning this recipe into a flexible culinary canvas.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners where everyone craves a delicious and satisfying appetizer or side dish.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: Prepare a gourmet-style meal in minimal time, requiring simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results.

What You’ll Need For Zucchini Chops With Garlic-Dill Dip

Main Ingredients:

• Zucchini: Fresh summer squash that provides a tender and mild base for this crispy dish.

• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create a golden and crispy exterior.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy texture and helps seal in the zucchini's moisture.
• Plain Flour: Provides an additional layer of coating for enhanced crispiness.

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Sweet Paprika, Italian Herbs: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the zucchini chops.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.

Dip Ingredients:

• Greek Yogurt, Mayonnaise: Creamy combination that creates a rich and tangy dip.

• Garlic, Fresh Dill: Adds zesty and herbaceous notes to the dipping sauce.

How To Cook Zucchini Chops With Garlic-Dill Dip

Step 1: Slice and Tenderize Zucchini

Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with clean kitchen towels.

Using a sharp knife, cut zucchinis into thin slices, each less than a centimeter thick. Gently tap each slice with a meat mallet to soften and tenderize.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the slices to enhance their natural flavors.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Station

In one bowl, whisk eggs until smooth and creamy.

Add sweet paprika, dried Italian herbs, and freshly grated hard cheese. Mix ingredients until well combined.

On a separate plate, blend breadcrumbs and plain flour together, creating a uniform coating mixture.

Step 3: Coat and Fry Zucchini Slices

Dredge each zucchini slice first in the breadcrumb-flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Next, dip the coated slice into the egg-cheese mixture. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Carefully place coated zucchini slices into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Transfer fried slices onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Whip Up Garlic-Dill Dip

• Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Fresh chopped dill
• Minced garlic
• Pinch of salt

Stir ingredients until smooth and creamy, creating a delightful complementary sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange hot zucchini chops on a serving platter. Place garlic-dill dip in a small bowl on the side.

Garnish with additional fresh dill or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while crispy and warm.

Tips For Crisp Zucchini Chops With Garlic-Dill Dip

• Helpful Tips for Zucchini Chops
• – Pat zucchini slices completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• – Use room temperature eggs for better adherence of breadcrumb mixture to zucchini slices.
• – Select firm, fresh zucchinis with minimal seeds for the best texture and flavor in your chops.
• – Double-coat the zucchini slices for an extra crispy exterior that stays crunchy longer after cooking.
• – Keep oil temperature consistent around 350-375°F to achieve golden-brown perfection without burning the coating.

Tasty Variations On Zucchini Chops With Garlic-Dill Dip

• Mediterranean Herb Zucchini Chops: Replace Italian herbs with fresh Mediterranean herbs like oregano, rosemary, and thyme for a more robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Zucchini Chops: Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture. Serve with a chipotle-lime yogurt dip for a southwestern kick.
• Parmesan-Crusted Zucchini Chops: Increase the amount of grated parmesan in the coating and add some finely ground parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra cheesy crust.
• Gluten-Free Almond Zucchini Chops: Substitute breadcrumbs with ground almonds and almond flour for a nutty, gluten-free version that adds extra protein and crunch.

Best Matches For Zucchini Chops With Garlic-Dill Dip

• Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the zucchini chops' richness and cut through the creamy garlic-dill dip.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Pair with a chilled wheat beer or pilsner that offers a clean, crisp flavor profile which complements the dish's crispy texture and herbal notes.
• Citrus Drink Companion: Create a homemade lemonade with fresh mint to provide a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the savory zucchini chops and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Herbal Cocktail Option: Mix a gin-based cocktail with dill and cucumber to echo the recipe's herb and vegetable elements, creating a harmonious flavor connection between the drink and dish.

Store Zucchini Chops With Garlic-Dill Dip The Smart Way

• Refrigerator Storage: Place zucchini chops in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess. Consume within 2 days for best quality and taste.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange chops on a baking sheet, spread them evenly, and bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Flip halfway to ensure even warming.
• Air Fryer Reheating: Set air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Arrange chops in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket midway to maintain crispiness and even heating.
• Dip Storage: Keep garlic-dill dip in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Quick FAQ For Zucchini Chops With Garlic-Dill Dip

• Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Yes, you can substitute zucchini with eggplant, cauliflower, or green tomatoes using the same coating technique.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids often enjoy crispy fried vegetables with a creamy dip, and the mild seasonings make it appealing to younger palates.

• How thick should the zucchini slices be?

Cut the zucchini slices less than a centimeter thick to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

• Can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace eggs with a plant-based egg substitute, use dairy-free yogurt, and omit cheese to create a vegan version of the dish.

Zucchini Chops with Garlic-Dill Dip Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling zucchini chops bring Mediterranean magic to your plate with crispy edges and herbal charm. Fresh garlic-dill dip complements these golden vegetable slices, offering you a delightful summer-inspired culinary escape.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis
• 4 eggs
• 3.5 ounces (100 grams) hard cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) plain flour

Seasoning and Herbs:

• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Ground sweet pepper
• Italian herbs

Dip Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Dill, finely chopped

Cooking Ingredient:

• Oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse and pat dry the zucchinis, then slice them into uniform thin rounds approximately 0.5 cm thick.
2. Gently tenderize each zucchini slice using a meat mallet, creating a delicate texture that will absorb seasonings effectively.
3. Sprinkle salt and pepper across the zucchini slices to enhance their natural flavors and prepare them for coating.
4. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl until smooth and consistent, then incorporate sweet paprika, Italian herbs, and grated hard cheese to create a rich, aromatic mixture.
5. Prepare a separate plate with a blend of breadcrumbs and plain flour, creating a crispy coating base for the zucchini.
6. Carefully dredge each zucchini slice first in the breadcrumb-flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Dip the coated slices into the seasoned egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off for an optimal crispy exterior.
8. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat (approximately 175°C), maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.
9. Fry the coated zucchini slices for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating when they achieve a golden-brown, crispy appearance.
10. Transfer the fried zucchini chops to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispiness.
11. Prepare the garlic-dill dip by combining Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, finely chopped dill, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
12. Mix the dip ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy, ensuring all flavors are well integrated.
13. Serve the zucchini chops immediately while hot, accompanied by the fresh garlic-dill dip on the side.

Notes

• Tenderize zucchini slices gently with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking and prevent tough texture.
• Double-coat the zucchini in breadcrumbs and egg mixture for an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds delightful crunch.
• Use freshly grated hard cheese for superior melting and more intense flavor profile compared to pre-grated options.
• Drain fried zucchini on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain optimal crispiness, preventing soggy results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 150mg