How to Grate Zucchini (2024)

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by Erin

How to Grate Zucchini – We get it. It’s near the end of summer and you have a major overstock of zucchini in your fridge. Or maybe you just over bought at the grocery store. Either way, we’re showing you more than one way to grate zucchini so that rather than ending up in the compost, it’ll be the star of the show in your next sweet or savory recipe.

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How To Grate Zucchini: A Step-by-Step Guide

While spelling zucchini isn’t the easiest, baking or cooking with it is. It’s mild flavor, texture, and hearty nutrition lends itself beautifully to some of our favorite desserts, sauces, side dishes, and main courses; Double Chocolate Zucchini Brownies, Zucchini Spaghetti, and Zucchini Boats to name a few. So if you’re thinking, “what can I do with my excess zucchinis,” you’ve come to the right place.

And if you are still finding yourself with excess zucchini – check out our tutorial on How to Freeze Zucchini!

What You Will Need

  • zucchini – Just one will do, but grab more depending on what your recipe calls for.
  • box grater or cheese grater – This is the more manual option, but will work just as well as other methods.
  • food processor – We love our food processor around here, especially when we’re in a time crunch.
  • cheese cloth – If you plan on draining your zucchini, a cheese cloth is a handy tool. And if it’s not available, squeezing with your hands will work just fine.

Read Also: our guide on How to Cut Zucchini

What Size Zucchini Is Best

We recommend using a small-medium sized zucchini for grating as they are less likely to have large seeds to work around. A medium zucchini will result in approximately 1 cup of shredded zucchini. If you happen to be using a larger zucchini and the seeds are large, cut the zucchini lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.

Should I Peel the Zucchini Before Grating

Nope. Just make sure to rise and dry it to remove any dirt or grime.

Do I Need to Drain My Grated Zucchini

This all depends on the recipe that you’re using your grated zucchini for. Check out the notes section in the recipe card for how to drain grated zucchini.

How To Freeze Grated Zucchini

Good question. Check out our full tutorial on how to freeze shredded or sliced zucchini. If you’re looking for the cliff notes version, grate, sprinkle with salt, let sit, squeeze out the moisture, place in an airtight, freezer safe container, and place in freezer. To keep your zucchini from getting soggy, really make sure you squeeze out as much water as possible.

How to Grate Zucchini with a Box Grater

Cut approximately 1/4 inch off each end and discard. Place grater over cutting board or plate and hold the grater with one hand and the zucchini with the other. Run end of zucchini up and down the grater with even pressure. Watch those fingers as you get near the end of the zucchini and discard the end.

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How to Grate Zucchini with a Food Processor

Set up your food processor and ensure that the grating disc is set inside with the grating holes facing up. Cut approximately 1/4 inch off both ends and inert one end of the zucchini into the food chute and press down on the other end with the food pusher. Turn your food processor on and firmly press down on the zucchini while it shreds.

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Grated Zucchini Recipes

The opportunities are endless here, my friends. Grated zucchini can be used in pasta sauces, baked goods, and side dishes, But one of our favorites is this Double- Chocolate Zucchini Brownies recipe.

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And don’t forget about our light and fluffy Gluten-Free Zucchini muffins. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike.

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How to Freeze Grated Zucchini

Simply squeeze as much moisture out of your grated zucchini as possible, place in an airtight, freezer safe container, and freeze for 3-4 months.

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Stasher bags are one of our favorite ways to store our grated zucchini, both in the fridge and in the freezer.

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How to Grate Zucchini (8)

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Easy Sautéed Zucchini Recipe
Healthy Chocolate Pumpkin Zucchini Muffins

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How to Grate Zucchini (9)

How to Grate Zucchini

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  • Author: Erin Jensen
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: Approx. 1 cup
  • Category: How-To
  • Method: Counter Top
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

How to Grate Zucchini – learn how to grate zucchini with a grater and with a food processor! So simple and perfect for freezing zucchini!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 medium zucchini, rinsed and dried

Instructions

Using a Box Grater or Cheese Grater:

  1. Cut approx. 1/4 inch off of each ends, discard.
  2. Place grater over cutting board or plate. Hold the grater with one hand and the zucchini with the other. Run end of zucchini (the one farther away from your hand) up and own the grater with even pressure. Continue until you have only a small piece of zucchini left – discard so you don’t get too close to your hand.

Using a Food Processor:

  1. Cut approx. 1/4 inch off of each ends, discard.
  2. Ensure the grating disc is set up in your food processor – grating holes face up. Attach top of the food processor. Insert one end of the zucchini into the food chute and press down on the other end with the food pusher. Turn food processor on and firmly press down on the zucchini while it shreds.

Notes

  • Draining (if needed): a lot of recipes (especially baked goods) often require that the shredded zucchini be drained before use. To do this use approx. 1 teaspoon kosher salt for every 2 cups of shredded zucchini. Mix and let sit 10-15 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid (can be done in a cheesecloth or with clean hands). Use as directed in recipe.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, for 3-4 days in the fridge.
  • Freezer:Grated zucchini will last 3-4 months while in a freezer safe container. Here is our tutorial on How to Freeze Zucchini!

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  1. Elise says

    Just grate it, etc. Put in a small plastic colander over a bowl for::: overnight or even 24hours, the drain bowl works out perfect everytime.

    Reply

How to Grate Zucchini (2024)

FAQs

How to Grate Zucchini? ›

The easiest ways to grate zucchini are by using a box grater or a food processor.

What is the easiest way to grate zucchini? ›

The easiest ways to grate zucchini are by using a box grater or a food processor.

Do you leave skin on zucchini when grating? ›

Do you peel a zucchini before grating? Zucchini skin is thin and edible, so there's no need to peel it before grating. That said, the peels will retain their green color, even after they're cooked.

How to shred zucchini without a shredder? ›

Firmly press the zucchini against the largest holes in the box grater and run the zucchini down the side of the box grater. Repeat this motion until the zucchini is fully grated. Be careful not to cut your fingers against the box grater. 2.

How many zucchinis for 2 cups grated? ›

You need 2 cups of grated zucchini for the recipe, so you will need about 3 small zucchini, 2 medium zucchini, or 1 large zucchini.

How do you grate vegetables quickly? ›

Most vegetables can be shredded with a box grater, a hand grater, or a food processor—however, cabbage, lettuce, and other leafy greens can just as easily be shredded with a knife.

What is the difference between grated and shredded zucchini? ›

The shreds are uniform, dry, and nice and plump. When you grate zucchini with a box grater you get a finer, wetter result. Whether you use a processor or a box grater, grate your zucchini just before adding it to your batter.

Is zucchini better with skin on or off? ›

Nope! There's no need to peel zucchini. In fact, the skin is a big source of zucchini nutrition (the deep green color is a dead giveaway) so you definitely want to leave the skin on.

Why is my zucchini so slimy when I cut it? ›

Things You Should Know. If you see mold, black spots, browning, yellowing, shriveling, or wrinkling on the skin of your zucchini, it has likely gone bad. A soft, mushy, or slimy texture also indicates spoilage. When picking zucchini at the store, look for smooth, blemish-free skin with a vibrant dark green color.

How do you can shredded zucchini? ›

Procedure: Peel zucchini and either cut into 1/2-inch cubes or shred. Mix zucchini with other ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer 20 minutes. Fill jars with hot mixture and cooking liquid, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.

Should zucchini be seeded before shredding? ›

If I'm baking with zucchini, I always make sure to scoop out the seeds before shredding it. Then just simply discard them. You don't have to scoop them out if you're making dishes like grilled vegetables, zucchini fritters or baked zucchini fries though.

How to easily grate zucchini? ›

Trim one end of the zucchini. Working on a cutting board, hold the box grater firmly in one hand. Grip the zucchini a few inches away from the cut end, then grate it, scraping the cut end downward along the side of the grater. Take care to keep your fingers from getting too close to the grates as you work.

Should you peel a zucchini before grating it? ›

Grate your zucchini (no need to remove the peel) using either a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. Drape a clean dish towel over a large pot or bowl and place the shredded zucchini on top of the towel. When the bowl is 75% full, wring out the excess moisture into the bowl.

Can I grate zucchini in a food processor? ›

Trim off both ends–the stem end and base end–with a sharp knife. Cut Into Small Sections. Then, cut the zucchini into a few small sections (I aim for 2-3 inches each) and add a few sections at a time to the chute of your food processor. Push down with the tamper and pulse or grate until all of the zucchini is shredded.

How do you grate vegetables without a grater? ›

For small pieces or long strips, the peeler method is the best way. You will get similar results using the mandoline cutter method. The food processor is a quick way to get even smaller pieces, a similar result to a handheld grater.

How do you drain zucchini without cheesecloth? ›

There are a couple of ways you can remove this excess moisture : -Place the grated zucchini in a clean dish towel and wring out the liquid; -Use a potato ricer OR -Just squeeze them really, really hard.

Are you supposed to remove seeds from zucchini? ›

Much like other squash, such as pumpkins or butternut squash, zucchini does have seeds inside. However, since zucchini are enjoyed so young, in many cases, the seeds are so small as to be unnecessary to remove. Indeed, according to Livestrong, the seeds of zucchini are safely edible.

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