This Nifty Trick Will Make Cooking Zucchini SO Easy

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

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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 mention completely change 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

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Zucchini Pizza Casserole I 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, Minnesota If 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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