Carl Jr. Zucchini is an incredibly tasty and healthy snack. Just one serving of the Fried Zucchini contains just 160 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 450 milligrams of sodium. It is the perfect way to get a hit of vegetables without all the extra fat and calories. To top it off, Carls Jr. Fried Zucchini is a quick and easy treat that you can enjoy at any time.
Carls Jr. Zucchini Calories Overview
Carls Jr. Zucchini Calories are relatively low and offer the perfect mix of nutrition and convenience. Each 100 grams serving of fried zucchini contains 160 calories, 10 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, 13 grams of carbohydrates, and 450 milligrams of sodium.
Fried Zucchini is prepared by frying Belgian-style zucchini pieces in canola oil until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. It is a great addition to burgers, sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish to a main course.
When preparing Fried Zucchini, it is always best to opt for organic vegetable oil as it is free from trans fat and cholesterol. For those looking to enjoy this snack guilt-free without compromising on flavor, there are several variations and substitutions that can be made to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions. The Fried Zucchini without the oil is also a great option as it contains far fewer calories.
Fried Zucchini is an incredibly quick dish to prepare at any time of day. The cooking time for Fried Zucchini is approximately 30 minutes and yields around 4 servings. It is the perfect dish for when time is of the essence, and it can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini, cut into 2cm-thick slices
- 250ml vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat up the oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Season the zucchini slices with salt and pepper
- Place the zucchini slices in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil
- Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 160 per serving.
- Fat: 10g per serving.
- Protein: 2g per serving.
- Carbohydrates: 13g per serving.
- Sodium: 450mg per serving.
Cooking Time & Servings
- Cook Time: 30 minutes.
- Servings: 4 servings.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Paper towels
Serving Suggestions
- Carls Jr. Fried Zucchini can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments. Some recommended pairings include a fresh green salad, sweet chilli sauce, and your favorite dip or spread.
- For a more substantial meal, enjoy the Fried Zucchini as a side dish to burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or other dishes.
- For a more colorful presentation, garnish the Fried Zucchini with freshly chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of dried herbs.
Variation Ideas
- Add variations such as garlic powder or vegan parmesan cheese to the zucchini slices before frying.
- Mix different vegetables such as mushrooms and bell peppers to create a swirled recipe.
- For a more crisp and crunchy bite, dip the zucchini slices in a simple batter before frying.
Substitutions
- For a lighter and lower-calorie version, try baking the zucchini slices in a preheated oven instead of frying them.
- For those looking to reduce the sodium content, try using herbs and spices such as garlic powder, ground cumin, paprika, or chilli powder instead.
- For those with dietary restrictions, try using your favorite vegan butter or olive oil as a substitution.
Storage
- For best results, store the Fried Zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can be kept for up to three days.
- However, for optimal crispiness and freshness, it is recommended to enjoy the Fried Zucchini immediately.
- Fried Zucchini can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
Tips
- To prevent sogging up, make sure the oil is hot enough before placing the zucchini slices in the pan.
- To ensure even cooking, use a non-stick skillet and keep flipping the slices regularly.
- For crumbed Fried Zucchini, mix together a simple batter of flour, water, and spices before dipping and cooking the zucchini slices.
- Spoon over the excess oil from the pan onto the Fried Zucchini before serving for added crunch and texture.
Notes
- Fried Zucchini is best served warm as a side dish.
- This dish can also be enjoyed as the main course when served with a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus.
- Fried Zucchini can also be enjoyed as part of your favorite wrap, sandwich, or burger.
- For an extra flavor punch, enjoy the Fried Zucchini with a drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I substitute oil for a healthier alternative?
A: Yes, olive oil or vegan butter is a great substitute. - Q: Can I use other vegetables in this dish?
A: Yes, mushrooms, bell peppers, or any vegetable of your choice can be used in this dish. - Q: What is the best way to store Fried Zucchini?
A: The best way to store Fried Zucchini is in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. The dish can keep for up to three days when stored in the refrigerator and three months when stored in the freezer. - Q: What is the best way to ensure crispiness when cooking Fried Zucchini?
A: To ensure crispiness, make sure the oil is hot enough before cooking the zucchini slices and keep flipping them regularly. To make the dish even crispier, try dipping the zucchini in a simple batter mixture before cooking.
Category
Carls Jr. Fried Zucchini is suitable for any occasion and any season. It is also a great side dish to add to a main course for a lunch or dinner.
Personal Thought
Carls Jr. Fried Zucchini is an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed in so many different ways and during any season. The best part? It only takes 30 minutes to make and doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture! Even when on the go, one can enjoy this delicious and healthy snack guilt-free. The addition of spices and herbs further enhances the flavor and texture, and makes it a great accompaniment to burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or any other dish. Ultimately, Carls Jr. Fried Zucchini is a dish that’s sure to please.
So why not try this incredibly tasteful snack today? Whether you decide to have it as a side dish, as part of a wrap or sandwich, or simply as a standalone snack, Carls Jr. Fried Zucchini is sure to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. So don’t hesitate, give this fantastic dish a go!
“Food should be fun.” – Thomas Keller
