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How to Shred Zucchini

Learn how to shred zucchini with this easy step-by-step tutorial. With these helpful tips, you’ll have perfectly shredded zucchini every time! 

Shredded zucchini on a paper towel.
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5 Steps to Shredding Zucchini

I love to use grated zucchini when I bake. Not only does it make the texture super moist and soft, but it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies. My absolute favorite recipes to make are my chocolate chip zucchini muffins and lemon blueberry zucchini bread. So yummy!

The other day my friend brought over 3 HUGE zucchini from her garden! She’s the sweetest. I was super excited to get in the kitchen and bake up some of my favorite recipes with zucchini, like these zucchini bread and zucchini muffins.

Today I thought I’d share these quick tips on how to cut a zucchini and then shred it. It’s super easy and leaves you with perfectly shredded zucchini every time. You’ll have no choice but to bake up a delicious treat. ;)

Slicing zucchini on a cutting board.

How to Cut a Zucchini

Check out the step by step tutorial below.

  1. Wash your zucchini really well.
  2. Cut off both ends.
  3. Slice the zucchini in half if it is really large.
  4. Then slice each half again vertically.
  5. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and place in a bowl.
  6. Then shred the pieces with a cheese grater or a food processor.
How to shred zucchini.

Tips for Shredding Zucchini

Remove Excess Water with Paper Towel

Once you’ve shredded your zucchini, put it on a paper towel so that it will help absorb the excess water. Then put another paper towel on top and pat until all the water is soaked up.

Sometimes I’ll just put it in a paper towel and ring it out over the sink. You could also even use a cheesecloth. This way you won’t get soggy bread! I had to learn the hard way. ;)

Scoop out the Seeds 

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.

Patting down on shredded zucchini with a paper towel.

Freezing Shredded Zucchini

Once your zucchini is shredded, it’s a good idea to freeze some for later. You know for those times when your craving chocolate zucchini cake?! ;)

I typically will place 2 cups in a sandwich size bag. This way you can pull out a little bit at a time. Just make sure to add a freezer label so you know how much is in the bag. It’s best used within 6 months.

When ready to use, simply remove from the bag and let thaw in a strainer. This helps remove any excess moisture. You may want to give it a quick pat with a paper towel too, just in case!

Shredded zucchini in a freezer bag with a label.

More Helpful Tutorials

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shredded zucchini

How to Shred Zucchini

5 from 11 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
Learn how to shred zucchini with this easy step-by-step tutorial. With these helpful tips, you'll have perfectly shredded zucchini every time! 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1

Equipment

  • Knife
  • Spoon
  • Cutting Board
  • Cheese grater or food processor

Ingredients 

  • Zucchini

Instructions

  • Start by washing the zucchini really well. Then dry the outside.
  • Cut the ends off of the zucchini, then slice it in half.
  • Slice each half in half again vertically.
  • Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and place in a bowl to discard.
  • Then shred the pieces with a cheese grater or a food processor.

Notes

To remove the water from the zucchini, simply place in a cheesecloth or paper towel and squeeze the water out over a sink.
Freezing instructions: Place 2 cups shredded zucchini in a sandwich size bag. Label the bag so you know how much is in it. Then store in freezer for up to 6 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 33kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 512mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 392IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Dish, Salad
Cuisine: American

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