Home Test Kitchen Test Kitchen Tips
ByKiersten Hickman
Taste of Home's Editorial Process
Updated: Oct. 12, 2022
PoppyB/Getty Images
Draining shredded zucchini is not an easy task. But thanks to this nifty trick, your zucchini will be ready to cook (or bake) in no time!
I am a huge advocate for the magical nature of shredded zucchini. Actually, I’m just an advocate for zucchini, especially since you can spiralize this vegetable and make a delicious “zoodle” dish that tastes divine with a fresh scoop of marinara (or any of these 42 zucchini noodle recipes). But I particularly love how shredded zucchini can be stuffed into all sorts of delicious foods, giving it a sneaky boost of satisfying nutrients.
However, in order to use shredded zucchini in a recipe, you need to drain the excess water in the vegetable. And let me tell you, this is not an easy task. Time and time again I tried squeezing out the water with layers of paper towels, which end up ripping mid squeeze and getting clumps of shredded zucchini all over my sink. I did try upgrading to a cheesecloth, but squeezing the water with this was still quite the feat. I was in need of a better solution, so when I came across this nifty trick on the Internet, I was stunned. How have I never thought of this before?
Use Your French Press
aradaphotography/Shutterstock
I know, I know. Are you also smacking your hand against your forehead? This idea is absolutely brilliant and incredibly easy. I will never be caught dead using a cheesecloth (or worse, a dreaded paper towel) to drain my shredded zucchini ever again.
Here’s how it works: Simply put the shredded zucchini at the bottom of your clean French press. Place the top over and press down, just like you would with your morning cup of coffee. Then drain! You’re welcome.
Don’t have a French press? This stainless steel and glass version will last for years (not to mentioncompletelychange your coffee routine!).
Why Should You Drain Shredded Zucchini?
Zucchini, along with a lot of other vegetables, is full of water. This water was helpful for the zucchini to grow. So it only makes sense that when cooking a zucchini, or another vegetable, that water and moisture will be involved with the cooking process.
For some recipes, that extra water is not needed and could even ruin what you’re trying to make. Adding drained shredded zucchini to baked goods, or even zucchini pancakes will make the dish fluffy and not mushy. To learn the basics, learn how to cook zucchini in three new ways.
Incredibly Delicious Zucchini Recipes
1 / 10
Zucchini Pizza CasseroleI grow zucchini by the bushel, so this pizza casserole is one of my dinnertime go-to's. My hungry husband and kids gobble it right up. —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, MinnesotaIf you need gluten-free bread options, we suggest trying these gluten-free zucchini bread.Get Recipe
Zucchini BrowniesA fast-to-fix peanut butter and chocolate frosting tops these moist brownies that are a sweet way to use up your green garden squash. We really like the cakelike texture of the zucchini brownies. —Allyson Wilkins, Amherst, New Hampshire
Go to Recipe
Zucchini ParmesanYou'll knock their socks off with this easy-to-prep side dish that's absolutely delicious. My favorite time to make it is when the zucchini is fresh out of the garden. —Sandi Guettler, Bay City, Michigan
Go to Recipe
Find more easy zucchini recipes that take 30 minutes max!
Zucchini Cupcakes Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Zucchini CupcakesI asked my grandmother for this recipe after trying these irresistible spice cupcakes at her home. I love their creamy caramel frosting. They're such a scrumptious dessert, you actually forget you're eating your vegetables, too! —Virginia Lapierre, Greensboro Bend, Vermont
Go to Recipe
Zucchini Onion Pie Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Zucchini Onion PieWe have a lot of zucchini on hand when it’s in season. This is a good and different way to use large amounts. —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York
Go to Recipe
Zucchini Boats Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Zucchini BoatsAfter working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia
Go to Recipe
Taste of Home
Vegetarian LinguineLooking for a tasty alternative to a meat-and-potatoes meal? Try this colorful pasta dish, which is the brainchild of my oldest son. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs meal that includes loads of fresh veggies as well as basil and provolone. —Jane Bone, Cape Coral, Florida
Go to Recipe
Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Apple Zucchini BreadSince apples and zucchini are so abundant in this area, it's only natural that the two be used together in one recipe. I really don't know the origin of this bread, but I do know it's been one of my favorites for many years. —Patti Dillingham, Scranton, Arkansas
Go to Recipe
Chicken Zucchini Casserole Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Chicken Zucchini CasseroleA co-worker shared this chicken zucchini casserole recipe that was originally her grandmother's. When I make it, I use precooked chicken from the grocery store and fresh zucchini my neighbor gives me from his garden. —Bev Dutro, Dayton, Ohio
Go to Recipe
Walnut Zucchini Muffins Recipe photo by Taste of Home
Walnut Zucchini MuffinsShredded zucchini adds makes these walnutty muffins extra tender. If you have lots of zucchini in summer as many of us do, this is a good way to use some of it. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana
Go to Recipe
Originally Published: August 10, 2020
Author
Kiersten Hickman
Kiersten is a journalist and content strategist with a main focus on nutrition, health and wellness coverage. She specializes in debunking myths about nutrition and food, especially in her weekly Substack newsletter, "Forkful." Her work has been featured in publications including Taste of Home, Reader's Digest, Bustle, Buzzfeed and Eat This, Not Th...
Read More
