Quick Marinated Zucchini

Quick marinated zucchini is a simple appetiser for the height of zucchini season, and quick marinated zucchini goes especially well on a table with meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Quick marinated zucchini is best eaten chilled after at least 3 hours in the refrigerator, when the slices have had time to take on the flavour of the marinade. Quick marinated zucchini is a useful recipe when fresh zucchini is plentiful and a light, easy snack is needed without any cooking.

Zucchini works here because zucchini quickly absorbs flavour while staying fresh and juicy, especially when the pieces are cut to an even size. Bay leaf, allspice, black peppercorns and cloves give quick marinated zucchini a fragrant, spiced note without making the marinade complicated. Dill adds a clean herbal aroma, crushed unpeeled garlic cloves add sharpness, brown sugar softens the edge of the vinegar, and sea salt helps the zucchini release a little moisture and season evenly.

The key point while preparing quick marinated zucchini is balancing the vinegar and giving the zucchini enough time. Young zucchini can be dressed with 15 ml of 9% vinegar for a milder result, while mature zucchini or a preference for a sharper taste calls for 30 ml of 9% vinegar. Room-temperature water should cover the seasonings and zucchini in the container, and the container should be tightly closed and shaken well so the spices and liquid are distributed. Quick marinated zucchini tastes more pronounced the longer quick marinated zucchini marinates, and shaking the container from time to time helps the slices marinate better.

The easiest swaps in quick marinated zucchini are the optional additions named in the recipe itself. Red chilli can be added if a hotter appetiser is wanted, horseradish can be added for extra pungency, and the amount of salt can be doubled if a saltier result is preferred. The cutting shape can also change without changing the recipe: zucchini can be sliced into rounds or half-moons, as long as the pieces are similar in size so the marinating stays even.

Quick marinated zucchini is served as a cold appetiser or side dish, and quick marinated zucchini is especially suitable next to grilled meat, baked fish or simple vegetable plates. The whole spices, dill sprig and garlic can stay in the container while serving so the flavour continues to develop. Quick marinated zucchini also suits a picnic table or a spread of small dishes, because the flavour is bright and the preparation is very straightforward.

Quick marinated zucchini keeps in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in a closed container or jar. Quick marinated zucchini should stay fully covered with marinade so the slices do not dry out and the flavour stays clean and even. Freezing is not suitable for quick marinated zucchini, because zucchini loses its structure after thawing and becomes soft and watery.

Questions about this recipe

How long do marinated zucchini need to sit before eating?

Quick marinated zucchini needs at least 3 hours in the refrigerator to marinate properly. Quick marinated zucchini will taste more pronounced if quick marinated zucchini sits longer.

How much vinegar should I use for the zucchini?

Use 15 ml of 9% vinegar for young zucchini if you want a milder result. Use 30 ml of 9% vinegar for mature zucchini or if you prefer a more piquant taste.

Can I add chilli or horseradish to marinated zucchini?

Red chilli can be added to quick marinated zucchini for heat, and horseradish can be added for extra sharpness. The amount of salt can also be doubled if a saltier flavour is preferred.

How should I store marinated zucchini and how long does it keep?

Store quick marinated zucchini in a closed container or jar in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Quick marinated zucchini should stay fully covered with marinade so the slices do not dry out and keep their flavour.

Can I freeze marinated zucchini?

Marinated zucchini should not be frozen. Zucchini loses its structure after thawing and becomes soft and watery.