Ingredients
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2 small zucchini (about 12 ounces)
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1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/4 ounces)
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1 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
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1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper, divided
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1 cup panko
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1 1/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated with a Microplane grater (about 1 cup)
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1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, or more to taste
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2 large eggs, beaten
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
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1 cup crushed tomatoes (such as Cento)
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1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, divided
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1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons heavy cream
Directions
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Preheat broiler to high with oven rack in middle position. Trim ends from zucchini; cut each zucchini in half crosswise. Cut each zucchini half lengthwise into 6 pieces to make 24 total zucchini sticks.
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Stir together flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow bowl; set aside. Stir together panko, Parmesan, crushed red pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a separate shallow bowl; set aside. Place eggs in a third shallow bowl. Working in batches, toss zucchini sticks in flour mixture to coat. Dip in egg, and dredge in panko mixture, pressing to adhere. Place coated zucchini sticks in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil in preheated oven on middle rack, turning zucchini occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
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Meanwhile, cook oil and garlic in a small saucepan over medium, stirring often, until garlic is lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons basil, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in cream.
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Transfer zucchini sticks to a serving platter; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 2 tablespoons basil. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.