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Crispy Greek Zucchini Fries With Tempura Batter

Delicious and super easy Greek style zucchini fries in the lightest, crispiest tempura batter. They go wonderfully well as a side with any kind of meat, fish or vegetarian main. They also make a crowd pleasing appetizer to share. Don't forget a big dish of traditional Greek tzatziki sauce for dipping!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4 -6
Calories: 680 kcal
Course: Appetizer

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchini (courgettes)
  • 1 cup oil (approximately - enough to fill a medium pan with about ½ inch oil) I like to use light olive oil, but any kind of oil is fine.
for the tempura batter
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup soda water chilled (or use sparkling mineral water)
for the tzatziki sauce
  • 1 cup Greek yoghurt (not regular yoghurt - it's too thin)
  • ½ clove garlic minced/crushed
  • 1 cucumber (medium) diced finely, or grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dill chopped finely (optional)
  • 2 squeezes lemon juice
  • black pepper & a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Wash your zucchini/courgette and chop off the very ends. Then cut into three or four big pieces, depending on the size. Cut each piece in half so you have 2 semi-circles. Then lay flat (green side up) and slice into fry shapes.
  2. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder in a jug or small bowl. Then slowly add the chilled water and mix until you have a smooth batter.
  3. Heat up the oil until it sizzles when you dip the end of a piece of zucchini in it.
  4. Dip the zucchini into the batter a small handful at a time. Fish out with a fork and place carefully into the hot oil.
  5. Let cook for 2 or 3 minutes, turning once if necessary.
  6. When the fries are puffed up and golden, remove with a slotted spoon. Drain on kitchen paper. Repeat until all the zucchini is fried.
  7. Serve while still hot and crispy with tzatziki sauce on the side (optional - see recipe below).
for the tzatziki sauce
    Cup of Yum
  1. Put the yogurt into a small bowl or dish and add the garlic, cucumber, dill and lemon juice. Mix it all together well.
  2. Grind some black pepper onto the top and drizzle over a little olive oil.

Notes

  • How to slice the zucchini: I've described how to do this in the body of the post above. You can also watch the how-to video to 'see' how I do it. 
  • You can cut the fries either thick, medium or skinny. You can also fry 'rounds' of zucchini instead of fries. Simply slice the courgette/zucchini like you would a cucumber, then proceed with the recipe as normal. 
  • How to keep the fries from getting soggy: Blot the zucchini sticks with paper towels before coating in the batter. Wait until the oil is very hot before cooking, until the end of a fry dipped in the oil sizzles. Serve immediately! 
  • Flip the zucchini fries in the oil or not? It depends! I sometimes find that I need to flip the fries over for a few seconds to cook the top. Sometimes though you don't need to do this - it depends how vigorously the oil is bubbling, and how deep the oil is in the pan. Just keep a close eye on them and make a decision as they are cooking.
  • Serving suggestion: Try serving with this very easy Greek yogurt dill dip!
  • Note about the nutritional info: I've roughly estimated that you'll need around 1 cup or 250ml oil to cook all the zucchini fries. You won't be 'eating' all of this oil, so bear in mind that the calorie count of 1 portion of these fries will probably be less than stated above! 

Nutrition Information

Calories 680kcal (34%) Carbohydrates 32g (11%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 58g (89%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 3mg (1%) Sodium 483mg (20%) Potassium 543mg (16%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 283IU (6%) Vitamin C 20mg (22%) Calcium 165mg (17%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4-6

Amount Per Serving

Calories 680

% Daily Value*

Calories 680kcal 34%
Carbohydrates 32g 11%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 58g 89%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 3mg 1%
Sodium 483mg 20%
Potassium 543mg 12%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 283IU 6%
Vitamin C 20mg 22%
Calcium 165mg 17%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.