Crispy Zucchini Hero

Updated Oct. 11, 2023

Crispy Zucchini Hero
Kerri Brewer for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
40 minutes
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Rating
4(220)
Comments
Read comments

Massive and tasty, this vegetarian sandwich celebrates sweet zucchini, pan-fried until golden and crispy. The veggies are tucked into one long soft roll for easy assembly, and drizzled with an oregano-spiked oil-and-vinegar dressing that seasons the sandwich with tangy zest. The zucchini can be fried up to 30 minutes ahead of time; be sure to hold the pieces on a rack set over a sheet tray to prevent steaming and to keep them crisp. For best results, build the sandwiches right before serving.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • ¼teaspoon dried oregano
  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and pepper
  • ¼cup all-purpose flour
  • 2large eggs, beaten
  • cups panko bread crumbs
  • Neutral oil (such as canola), as needed for frying
  • 2large zucchini, halved crosswise, then cut lengthwise ¼-inch-thick
  • 1loaf Italian bread (about 20 inches long), split open
  • Mayonnaise, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes and sliced pickles, for topping
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

848 calories; 59 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 35 grams monounsaturated fat; 15 grams polyunsaturated fat; 66 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 9 grams sugars; 16 grams protein; 833 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a small bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar and oregano. Season with salt and pepper; mix well.

  2. Step 2

    Place flour in a large resealable plastic bag or in a shallow bowl. Place eggs and bread crumbs in 2 separate wide shallow bowls or large plates. Season flour, eggs and bread crumbs with salt.

  3. Step 3

    Fill a 12-inch cast-iron skillet with ⅓ inch of neutral oil and heat over medium-high until an instant-read thermometer registers 325 degrees. Set a wire rack over a sheet tray.

  4. Step 4

    Meanwhile, season zucchini with salt. Add half of the zucchini to the flour, seal the bag and shake (or if using a bowl, toss) until lightly coated in the flour. Working with one piece at a time, shake off excess flour then dip in egg, coating both sides and letting excess drip off. Press into bread crumbs until well coated. Transfer to a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.

  5. Step 5

    Add half of the breaded zucchini to the skillet; adjust the heat to hold it as close to 325 degrees as possible. Fry until zucchini is golden and just tender, about 2 minutes per side. (Zucchini will continue to cook as it rests.) Transfer to the prepared rack and season with salt. Repeat with the remaining zucchini.

  6. Step 6

    Spread mayonnaise on cut sides of bread. Place a layer of lettuce on bottom roll and drizzle over half of the oregano vinaigrette. Arrange zucchini, slightly overlapping, on the bread. Finish with tomatoes, pickles, then the remaining vinaigrette. Close the sandwich, cut into 4 equal pieces, and serve.

Ratings

4 out of 5
220 user ratings
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Comments

To make it Vegan, dip floured zucvhini in seasoned almond or soy milk, then in panko. Instead of regular mayonnaise, use vegan "mayonnause" or some other spread, such as tapenade or pesto

I saw a similar recipe about a month ago called a ZLT. It used thinner slices of zucchini, salted and left to sweat for a bit. I made my sandwiches with tomato, lettuce and pesto. Delish!

Yum! I added olive tapenade and chose garlic aoli instead of mayo for a little more oomph. Might try with slices of both eggplant and the zucchini next to use up my summer garden bounty.

This was a delicious recipe. I added a fried egg. Chef’s kiss!

This has become a summer staple at our house. We massage the dressing into arugala and add caramelized onions plus whatever else is floating around the fridge - capers, pickled peppers etc. We even learned how to make our own mayo with an immersion blender with lots of garlic that really takes this to the next level. Avoid plastic and just flour the zucchini in a bowl.

Tasty and easy and quick. Used Greek yoghurt and feta blend instead of mayo - use mayo next time

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