Fried squash is a beloved Southern classic that can elevate any meal with its crispy, golden texture and rich, savory flavor. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a snack, this simple yet delicious recipe brings out the best in squash. The combination of light batter and a quick fry in hot oil creates a perfect balance of tenderness and crunch. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to prepare and fry squash so that it turns out crisp and flavorful every time!
Ingredients for Fried Squash
To make fried squash, you need a few key ingredients. Let’s take a look at the essentials:
- Fresh Squash: The best type of squash for frying is yellow squash or zucchini. Choose firm, medium-sized squashes with smooth skin. Avoid squashes that are too large, as they may be overly watery.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best for the batter. Some recipes may call for a combination of flour and cornmeal to add extra crunch.
- Cornmeal (Optional): Adding cornmeal gives the coating a wonderful crunch, but you can skip it for a smoother batter.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the batter to the squash slices and give the fried coating that nice golden color.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are the most common seasonings. Feel free to adjust these to your taste. You can also add cayenne pepper or paprika for a bit of heat.
- Oil for Frying: Vegetable oil or canola oil works best for frying squash, as they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Preparing Squash for Frying
Before you can fry squash, you’ll need to prep it properly. Here’s how:
How to Slice and Prepare Squash
- Wash and Dry the Squash: Rinse the squash under cool water, scrubbing off any dirt or debris. Pat the squash dry with a paper towel.
- Slice the Squash: Cut off both ends of the squash, then slice it into thin, even rounds (about ¼ inch thick). Thin slices ensure the squash cooks evenly and quickly.
- Optional: You can peel the squash if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients.
Prepping the Coating
The key to getting a crispy coating is a good batter. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Batter or Bread Crumbs: The simplest batter includes flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. For extra crispiness, mix in a small amount of cornmeal.
- Dipping the Squash: First, dip each slice of squash into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Then, dip it into a beaten egg mixture. Finally, coat it once more with the flour mixture to ensure the batter sticks well.
How to Batter Fried Squash
Now that your squash slices are ready, it’s time to batter and fry them. Here’s a basic recipe for the batter:
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of cornmeal (optional), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well.
- Egg Mixture: In another bowl, beat 2 eggs and add 2 tablespoons of milk or water. Whisk together.
- Coating: Dip each squash slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the slice in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat thoroughly. Repeat this process for each slice.
- Ready for Frying: Once all the slices are coated, they’re ready to hit the hot oil.
How to Pan-Fry Squash
Frying squash in a skillet is the quickest and easiest method. Follow these steps for perfectly fried squash:
- Heat the Oil: Add about ½ inch of oil to a large skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. You can check the temperature by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Fry the Squash: Carefully place the coated squash slices in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry them in batches if necessary. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the squash slices are done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Preventing Soggy Squash
Nobody wants soggy fried squash, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your squash stays crisp:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you add too many squash slices at once, the temperature of the oil will drop, resulting in soggy squash. Fry the slices in batches to maintain the oil’s temperature.
- Drain Well: After frying, let the squash slices drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. This will help maintain the crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Fry the squash just until golden brown and tender. Overcooking can cause the squash to release too much moisture, making it soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Fried squash is best served fresh and hot, as it will lose its crispness over time.
Alternative Cooking Methods for Squash
While frying squash is a popular method, there are other ways to cook squash that can still deliver delicious results:
Roasting or Grilling Squash
If you want a healthier option, try roasting or grilling the squash. Simply slice the squash, toss it in olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. You can also grill the squash slices on a preheated grill for about 4-5 minutes per side.
Why Pan-Frying is the Best Option
While roasting and grilling offer healthier alternatives, pan-frying squash gives it that irresistible crispy coating that many people crave. The quick frying technique seals in the squash’s moisture while making the outside golden and crunchy.
Variations and Add-ins for Fried Squash
You can customize your fried squash with different seasonings and add-ins:
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the squash slices before frying for an added cheesy flavor.
- Herbs: Add a sprinkle of dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the batter for a herbaceous twist.
- Spices: For a bit of heat, add paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to the flour mixture.
How to Serve Fried Squash
Fried squash is delicious on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. Consider serving it with:
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo make great dipping options.
- Side Dishes: Pair fried squash with mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
FAQ Section:
What do you batter fried squash in? You can batter fried squash using a mixture of all-purpose flour, cornmeal (optional), and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Eggs help the coating stick to the squash slices.
How to pan fry squash? To pan-fry squash, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the squash slices in batter, then fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
How do you cook squash so it doesn’t get soggy? To prevent soggy squash, avoid overcrowding the pan, drain the fried squash on paper towels, and serve immediately while it’s hot and crispy.
What cooking method is best for squash? Pan-frying is the best method for getting a crispy coating on squash. However, roasting and grilling are healthier alternatives that still produce delicious results.
Conclusion
Fried squash is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a crispy, golden exterior and tender interior, it’s easy to make and sure to please anyone at the table. By following these easy steps for preparation, battering, frying, and serving, you’ll be able to create the perfect fried squash every time.