How To Make Zucchini Burgers

To make zucchini burgers, you’ll combine grated zucchini with binding ingredients, shape the mixture into patties, and cook them until golden and firm.
 
If you’ve been searching for a meatless burger that’s satisfying, flavorful, and easy to make, zucchini burgers are a fantastic option.
 
They’re veggie-packed, budget-friendly, and perfect for grilling season or a quick weeknight dinner.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to make zucchini burgers step by step, plus tips for getting them crispy instead of soggy.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Make Zucchini Burgers That Actually Hold Together

The biggest challenge with zucchini burgers is moisture, so the first step is always to draw out as much water as possible.
 
Here’s the basic process for how to make zucchini burgers that stay firm and delicious.
 

1. Grate and Salt the Zucchini

Start by grating two medium zucchinis using the large holes of a box grater.
 
Toss the grated zucchini with about a teaspoon of salt and let it sit in a colander for 15 to 20 minutes.
 
The salt pulls out excess water, which is the secret to zucchini burgers that don’t fall apart.
 
After resting, squeeze the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels until it’s as dry as you can get it.
 

2. Mix Your Binding Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with one beaten egg, half a cup of breadcrumbs, a quarter cup of grated parmesan or nutritional yeast, and a clove of minced garlic.
 
Add salt, pepper, and any herbs you love, like parsley, basil, or oregano.
 
The egg and breadcrumbs are what hold zucchini burgers together, so don’t skip them.
 
If the mixture still feels wet, add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs until it holds its shape.
 

3. Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties about half an inch thick.
 
Pressing them firmly helps zucchini burgers keep their form during cooking.
 
If you have time, chill the patties in the fridge for 20 minutes before cooking.
 
This extra step makes them even more stable and is a great trick for how to make zucchini burgers that stay intact.
 

Best Ways to Cook Zucchini Burgers

You can cook zucchini burgers in several ways, and each method gives a slightly different texture.
 
Here are the most reliable options.
 

1. Pan-Frying for a Crispy Crust

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
 
Cook the zucchini burgers for about 4 minutes per side until they’re deeply golden and crispy.
 
Pan-frying gives you the best crust, which helps hold everything together.
 

2. Baking for a Lighter Version

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
 
Brush each patty lightly with oil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
 
Baked zucchini burgers come out tender inside with a nice golden edge.
 

3. Grilling for Smoky Flavor

Grilling zucchini burgers works best if you use a grill basket or a sheet of foil with small holes.
 
Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side.
 
The smoky char makes zucchini burgers taste like a summer cookout favorite.
 

Tips for the Best Zucchini Burgers

A few small tweaks can take your zucchini burgers from good to unforgettable.
 
Keep these tips in mind.
 

1. Never Skip the Salting Step

Salting and squeezing the zucchini is non-negotiable if you want firm zucchini burgers.
 
Skipping it leads to mushy patties that fall apart in the pan.
 

2. Add a Starchy Binder

Breadcrumbs, panko, or even crushed crackers work well.
 
They absorb leftover moisture and give zucchini burgers structure.
 

3. Don’t Flip Too Early

Let the patty form a crust before you flip it.
 
If you try to flip zucchini burgers too soon, they’ll crumble.
 

4. Serve Them Right

Pile your zucchini burgers on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, avocado, and a swipe of garlic aioli or tzatziki.
 
They also taste great over a salad or grain bowl if you want to skip the bun.
 

5. Make Them Ahead

You can shape zucchini burgers and store them in the fridge for up to two days before cooking.
 
They also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and cook them whenever a craving hits.
 

So, How Do You Make Zucchini Burgers?

To make zucchini burgers, you grate and salt the zucchini, squeeze out the moisture, mix it with egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings, then shape and cook the patties until golden.
 
The key is removing as much water as possible and using a good binder so your zucchini burgers hold together beautifully.
 
Whether you pan-fry, bake, or grill them, zucchini burgers are a delicious meatless meal that even picky eaters enjoy.
 
Give this recipe a try, and you might just find yourself making zucchini burgers all summer long.