Summer will soon be here and, with it, summer dishes and, of course, summer vegetables. Among these, zucchini is a popular favorite because it’s a versatile and healthy choice that can be added to dishes or even eaten on its own.
Rich in several antioxidants, like lutein and zeaxanthin, it’s also great for those on a diet, because it’s low in fat, calories and sugar. One large raw zucchini offers 55 calories, four grams of protein and a gram of fat, so you can eat as much of it as you like without worrying about your weight.
Probably its most popular preparation is when it’s turned into zoodles, a low-carb pasta substitute that has found a solid following among health-conscious folks.
It doesn’t hurt that this vegetable can be cooked several ways — boiled, grilled, baked, air fried or sautéed. Though it can be eaten raw, it becomes tender and more delicious when it’s been subjected to heat.
Boiling zucchini is an easy and popular method of preparation. If you’re new to boiling zucchini and are wondering, “How long to boil zucchini,” here’s all you need to know.
How Long to Boil Zucchini on a Stovetop
Boiling zucchini on the stove is one of the easiest ways to cook zucchini. It doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills, so even amateur cooks can come up with perfectly boiled zucchini.
The time it takes to boil zucchini depends on whether you’re boiling the vegetable whole or cutting it into slices or cubes. Also, the thickness of the slices or cubes will further determine the amount of time needed to properly boil a zucchini. For reference, here are some benchmarks that you can use when trying to determine the perfect boiling time:
| Boiling Time | |
| Whole Zucchini | 15 to 20 minutes, partially covered |
| Sliced Zucchini (1-inch slices) | 3 to 5 minutes if pot is covered 5 to 7 minutes if pot is uncovered |
For easy handling, we suggest slicing your zucchini into 1-inch slices prior to cooking.
- Boil them in enough water so that the slices are covered
- Add some salt
- Allow them to simmer for 3 to 7 minutes.
While boiling, expect the color, shape and texture to change. To check for tenderness, poke the slices with a fork until you get the desired softness. If you’re cooking a whole zucchini, you’ll know that it’s cooked if the vegetable droops slightly when you pick it up with a ladle.
Tips for a Perfectly Boiled Zucchini
Here are other ways to know when your zucchini is perfectly boiled:
- It changes color from dark green to pale or light green
- It shrivels up and becomes smaller.
- The seeds in the core of the vegetable become more prominent, as they do not shrivel up like the fleshy parts
In contrast, an overcooked zucchini loses its shape.
Can You Overcook Zucchini?
Yes, zucchini can be overcooked and, as a result, become soggy. A boiled zucchini should be tender and can be easily pierced with a knife or a fork while retaining its shape.
Overcooked zucchini will break easily and will be unpleasantly mushy and watery to the taste.
How long will it take to boil zucchini so it isn’t overcooked?
As mentioned, whole Zucchini takes around 15 to 20 minutes to boil properly and sliced zucchini will take around 3 to 5 minutes. However, these are for a medium-sized zucchini. So, if you have a larger or smaller zucchini, you alter the times accordingly.
Why You Shouldn’t Soak Zucchinis in Water
A common mistake that ruins a perfectly boiled zucchini is leaving the boiled veggies in the hot water. As soon as your zucchini is properly cooked, switch off the stove and remove the zucchini from water.
Boiling Is a Healthy Way to Prepare Zucchini
Boiling is one of the healthiest ways to prepare zucchini. It keeps the nutrients intact, doesn’t require unhealthy additives, like oil, and makes it easier to digest. Add it to your salads, side dishes and more.
We hope this guide helps you come up with perfectly boiled zucchinis that you can enjoy all summer long!
