Uncle Bill’s Deep Fried Zucchini Strips are a beloved classic, perfect for any occasion, be it a casual snack or a delightful appetizer to impress guests at your next gathering. With over 30 years of honing and perfecting this recipe, Uncle Bill has crafted a culinary masterpiece enjoyed by zucchini enthusiasts everywhere.
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These zucchini strips are a testament to simplicity and flavor, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps to achieve crispy, golden perfection. Clocking in at just 15 minutes of cooking time and 10 minutes of prep, with a total time investment of 25 minutes, they’re an ideal option for those seeking a quick and delicious dish that’s sure to please.
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to whip up a batch of these irresistible zucchini strips:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 1 |
| Eggs | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Seasoning salt | 3/4 tsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Saltine crackers (finely crushed) | 3/4 cup |
Now, let’s dive into the culinary adventure that awaits:
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Preparation: Begin by giving your zucchini a good wash and trim, ensuring to leave the skin intact for added texture and flavor. Resist the urge to peel, as the skin contributes to the crispy exterior of the strips. Then, cut the zucchini into strips approximately 2 1/2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
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Egg Bath: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them together with a splash of milk until they become light and fluffy.
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Flour Coating: In a plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour and seasoning salt, giving it a good shake to ensure even distribution of the seasoning. This seasoned flour mixture will be the first coating for your zucchini strips.
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Cracker Crust: In another plastic bag, place the finely crushed saltine crackers. This will serve as the final crispy crust for your zucchini strips.
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Coating Process: Take each zucchini strip and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Next, transfer the egg-coated strip into the seasoned flour mixture and shake vigorously to coat it evenly. Repeat this process once more, dipping the floured strip back into the egg mixture before giving it a final coating in the crushed crackers.
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Frying: In a medium-sized frying pan or deep fryer, heat the extra virgin olive oil to a temperature between 325°F to 350°F. Carefully drop the coated zucchini strips into the hot oil, frying them in batches for approximately 2 minutes, or until they achieve a light golden brown color. Remember not to overcrowd the pan, as this can result in uneven cooking.
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Crunchy Perfection: The key to Uncle Bill’s Deep Fried Zucchini Strips is achieving that perfect crunch. Be sure not to overcook them, as they should remain crispy on the outside while maintaining a tender interior.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to perfection, remove the zucchini strips from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Serve them immediately, perhaps accompanied by a delectable Bearnaise Sauce for dipping, and watch as they disappear within moments.
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Variations: Feel free to experiment with different coatings for your zucchini strips. Panko crumbs or cornflake crumbs make excellent alternatives to saltine crackers, adding a unique texture and flavor to the dish.
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Cleanup Tips: If you prefer a less messy approach, forego the plastic bags and opt for bowls instead. Simply place the flour mixture in one bowl and the crushed crackers in another for a more streamlined coating process.
Uncle Bill’s Deep Fried Zucchini Strips are a timeless favorite that never fails to impress. Whether you’re serving them up as a tantalizing appetizer or enjoying them as a savory snack, these crispy delights are sure to be a hit with zucchini lovers of all ages. So gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to savor the irresistible crunch of these homemade zucchini strips. Cheers to good food and great memories! 🥂🍽️
