Crispy Zucchini Pancakes with Feta and Mint

Prep: 15 minCook: 15 min10 servingsmedium
Crispy Zucchini Pancakes with Feta and Mint

Pan-fried zucchini pancakes bound with eggs and chickpea flour, studded with crumbled feta and fresh mint. Moisture is removed from shredded zucchini before mixing with a simple batter, creating golden-brown, tender pancakes that work as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course.

Ingredients

10 servings
  • 1 large zucchini, shredded or spiralized
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 3 large eggs, whole
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for batter
    neutral oil1:1oil

    for batter mixing

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup chickpea flour
    all-purpose flour1:1glutenadds gluten

    sub maintains structure

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
    goat cheese1:1dairy

    tangier flavor

    Full guide →
  • cup mint, finely chopped
    dill1:1herb

    different herb profile

    Full guide →
  • 3 scallions scallions, finely chopped
  • black pepper, freshly ground(optional)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, for pan-frying
    olive oil1:1oil

    for pan-frying

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place shredded zucchini in a colander with salt and let sit 5-10 minutes to release moisture. Transfer to a dish towel and squeeze dry.

  2. 2

    In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, garlic, and baking powder together. Add chickpea flour and whisk until smooth.

  3. 3

    Fold in drained zucchini, feta cheese, and scallions. Season with remaining salt and black pepper.

  4. 4

    Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place 2 tablespoons batter per pancake and flatten with the back of a spoon or spatula.

  5. 5

    Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook until cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

  6. 6

    Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.

Tips

Tip 1

If using pre-spiralized zucchini noodles, skip the moisture extraction step as they are typically drier than freshly shredded zucchini.

Tip 2

Do not skip moisture removal from shredded zucchini to avoid soggy, falling-apart pancakes.

Tip 3

Use a nonstick or cast iron skillet for even browning and easier flipping.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooled pancakes in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Make Ahead

Prepare batter up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate. Cook pancakes just before serving for best texture.

Serve With

Serve warm with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Works as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip squeezing moisture from shredded zucchini to avoid soggy, falling-apart pancakes.

Watch

Do not cook over heat higher than medium-high to avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks through.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

feta cheese
goat cheese1:1dairy

tangier flavor

Full guide →

Gluten-Free Swaps

chickpea flour
all-purpose flour1:1glutenadds gluten

sub maintains structure

Full guide →

General Alternatives

olive oil
neutral oil1:1oil

for batter mixing

Full guide →
vegetable oil
olive oil1:1oil

for pan-frying

Full guide →
mint
dill1:1herb

different herb profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →