Donut-Shaped Zucchini Fritters
Crispy Donut Zucchini Fritters: A Recipe for Delicious and Pretty Appetizers
These visually appealing donut-shaped zucchini fritters are not only delightful to look at but also boast a satisfyingly crisp texture, making them a perfect treat for any occasion or a delightful snack for children.
Ingredients- 2 Korean zucchini (Aehobak)
- 4 eggs
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 pinches of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by trimming the ends off the Korean zucchini. Then, slice them into uniform rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them too thinly can result in a soggy texture, so aim for a slightly thicker cut to ensure a pleasant chewiness.
Step 2
Next, we’ll create the donut shape by carefully removing the seedy core from the center of each zucchini slice. A handy tip is to use a soju bottle cap, as its size is often perfect for this task.
Step 3
Gently press the soju cap into the center of the zucchini slice and twist slightly to remove the core. This will leave you with beautifully shaped donut-like zucchini pieces.
Step 4
The donut-shaped zucchini slices can be fried as fritters. The removed seedy centers are also delicious when added to a soybean paste stew (Doenjang jjigae). For an even more flavorful fritter, consider stuffing the donut holes with a mixture of ground meat and vegetables before frying.
Step 5
Sprinkle about 4 pinches of salt evenly over the sliced zucchini (for 2 zucchini) and let them sit for about 5 minutes to salt them. Be careful not to add too much salt, as you want them seasoned, not overly salty. While salting helps draw out moisture from zucchini with seeds, in this case, it primarily seasons the zucchini.
Step 6
Crack 4 eggs into a bowl and whisk them thoroughly. Let the whisked eggs sit for a moment. This resting period allows the egg proteins to relax, resulting in a smoother, more tender egg batter. It also helps break down the chalazae (the white, stringy bits), making them easier to strain out later.
Step 7
Pour the rested egg mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another bowl. This step is crucial for removing any remaining chalazae, ensuring a silky smooth texture for your fritters.
Step 8
Add a pinch of black pepper to the strained egg mixture and stir gently. Pepper adds a subtle warmth and helps to balance the richness of the eggs.
Step 9
All your ingredients are now prepped and ready. It’s time to cook!
Step 10
Lightly coat each zucchini donut with flour, dusting off any excess. Too much flour can make the fritters heavy. You can do this by placing flour in a shallow dish, or for an easier method, put the flour and zucchini slices in a resealable plastic bag and shake gently until evenly coated.
Step 11
Now, dip the floured zucchini slices into the prepared egg batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 12
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Carefully place the battered zucchini slices in the hot oil. Fry them until each side is golden brown and crispy. Avoid using high heat, as this can burn the outside before the inside is cooked or make the zucchini mushy. Medium heat allows for even cooking and a perfect crisp.
Step 13
Your delightful donut-shaped zucchini fritters are now perfectly golden brown and ready to be enjoyed. Their unique shape makes them a fun and special addition to any meal!
