Our Zucchini Sabzi Recipe (Indian Zucchini Stir Fry)

Zucchini Sabzi is a simple, delicious Indian stir-fry that’s ideal for quick meals. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines zucchini with aromatic spices for a vibrant, satisfying meal that’s also vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. 

If you’ve been wondering what to do with zucchini, this recipe is perfect for adding bold flavors to this versatile vegetable.

Let’s get stuck in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to make Zucchini Sabzi:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days when you need a fast, healthy meal.
• Versatile: Serve it with steamed rice, roti, quinoa, or your favorite side for a complete meal.
• Diet-Friendly: This stir-fry is vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, making it suitable for almost everyone.
• Kid-Friendly: Simple to make and mild in flavor, it’s a great dish to get kids involved in cooking.

Ingredients for Zucchini Sabzi

You likely have many of these ingredients on hand already:

• Onion: 1 small, chopped
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced
• Green Chili: 1, chopped (adjust to taste)
• Coconut Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh Zucchini: 2 medium, cubed (½-inch pieces)
• Green Peas: ¼ cup (optional)
• Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon
• Curry Leaves: A few leaves
• Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): For garnish
• Spices:
  • Cumin Seeds: ½ teaspoon
  • Turmeric: ¼ teaspoon
  • Garam Masala: ½ teaspoon
  • Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: To taste

These ingredients come together for a flavorful and aromatic dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Zucchini Sabzi

Follow these steps to make this quick and tasty stir-fry:

1. Prep the Zucchini: Rinse and cube the zucchini into ½-inch pieces for even cooking.
2. Chop the Onion: Chop the onion as desired.
3. Heat the Oil: Warm coconut oil in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle until fragrant.
4. Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic, ginger, green chili, and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add Onion: Sauté the onion until it softens and turns golden.
6. Cook Zucchini and Add Spices: Add cubed zucchini, garam masala, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Stir everything together.
7. Sauté the Zucchini: Cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini will release its moisture, so no extra water is needed.
8. Finish with Lemon and Coriander: Once the zucchini is tender, add lemon juice and fresh coriander. Stir well and serve.

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Sabzi

Zucchini Sabzi is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides:

• Rice: Serve with steamed rice or jeera rice.
• Flatbreads: Pair with roti, chapati, or naan for a traditional meal.
• Quinoa or Lentils: For added protein, serve with cooked quinoa or a side of dal.
• Salads: A fresh cucumber or tomato salad complements the flavors.

Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairing!

Storage Tips for Zucchini Sabzi

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent the zucchini from drying out.

Can You Freeze Zucchini Sabzi?

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as zucchini tends to become mushy when thawed. However, if texture isn’t an issue for you, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above.

Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Sabzi

These tips will help you get the best results every time:

1. Choose Fresh Zucchini: Look for firm zucchini with bright green skin and no soft spots.
2. Avoid Extra Water: Zucchini is naturally high in water (about 94%), so there’s no need to add additional liquid. Let it cook in its own juices for the best flavor.
3. Uniform Cubes: Cutting the zucchini into similar-sized pieces ensures even cooking.

Following these tips will give you a delicious, well-cooked Zucchini Sabzi every time.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve tried the basic recipe, experiment with these variations to keep things interesting:

• Substitute with Bottle Gourd: Swap zucchini for lauki (bottle gourd) if you like. Lauki has a similar texture but may need a longer cooking time.
• Add Protein: Add crispy tofu cubes for extra protein and texture.
• Spice it Up: Try adding chili powder, extra green chili, or even mustard seeds for more heat and complexity.
• Mix in Coconut Milk: Add ¼ cup of coconut milk at the end for a creamier, richer flavor.

These variations allow you to customize the dish according to your taste and dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

Zucchini Sabzi is a quick, nutritious, and versatile dish that infuses the mild flavor of zucchini with vibrant Indian spices. 

It’s simple to make on busy days yet packed with enough flavor to elevate any meal. 

Try this recipe the next time you need a fast and satisfying stir-fry—you may find it becoming a new favorite in your routine!

Frequently Asked Questions