Spicy Zucchini and Corn Fritters

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and a bit of heat, these Spicy Zucchini and Corn Fritters are just what you need. Perfect for any season, they combine the freshness of zucchini with the sweetness of corn, all wrapped up in a deliciously crispy package. Let’s dive into this savory treat!

Ingredients for Spicy Zucchini and Corn Fritters

Zucchinis: These are the stars of our fritters, providing moisture and a subtle sweetness. Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible to keep the fritters crispy.

Corn kernels: They add texture and a natural sweetness that complements the spice. Feel free to use fresh, frozen, or even canned corn.

All-purpose flour and cornmeal: This combination gives the fritters their structure and a slightly crunchy exterior.

Eggs: Act as a binder to hold everything together.

Green onions and cilantro: These herbs add a fresh, vibrant flavor that brightens up the dish.

Garlic: Adds depth and a savory note. Don’t skip it!

Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper: These spices bring out the flavors of the ingredients and add a spicy kick.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami richness that makes these fritters irresistible.

Olive oil: Used for frying, giving the fritters a golden, crispy crust.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don't skip squeezing the zucchini; it's essential for a crispy result.
  • If the batter feels too wet, add a little more flour or cornmeal.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
  • Keep cooked fritters warm in a low oven while you finish frying the rest.

Serving Suggestions

These fritters are perfect served with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for cooling contrast. They also pair well with a fresh garden salad or a tangy tomato salsa. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
How can I store leftovers?
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to retain crispiness.

Spicy Zucchini and Corn Fritters Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grating your zucchinis. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel and give them a good squeeze over the sink. This step is crucial to remove the excess moisture—nobody wants soggy fritters!

In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed-out zucchini, corn kernels, flour, cornmeal, eggs, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until you have a well-mixed batter. It should be thick but not dry.

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter and gently flatten it into the skillet. Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

As you cook, drain the fritters on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Continue this process with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as necessary.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • A delightful way to use up summer zucchinis.
  • Packed with a little kick of spice to wake up your taste buds.
  • Great as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
  • Can be made with fresh or frozen corn, so it's versatile year-round.

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, grated
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 large eggs
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Grate the zucchinis and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
2. In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, corn kernels, flour, cornmeal, eggs, green onions, cilantro, garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter and flatten it slightly into the skillet.
6. Cook fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
7. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels.
8. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil to skillet as needed.

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