Zucchini Stir-Fry with Tomato Sauce, Eggs, and Cheese is a vibrant and hearty skillet dish that’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and packed with healthy ingredients. It combines tender zucchini cubes with a savory tomato-pepper sauce, lightly scrambled eggs, and melted cheese—all cooked together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this simple yet delicious meal is sure to impress with its rich Mediterranean flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes and requires very little prep or cleanup, making it ideal for busy days.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield
Serves 2–3 as a main dish or 3–4 as a side
Cuisine
This dish has its roots in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-style skillet cooking, where zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and eggs are common staples. It’s similar in spirit to dishes like Turkish menemen, Italian caponata with egg, or even a rustic frittata—simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
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2 zucchini
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Olive oil (for frying)
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Salt and pepper (to taste)
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1 onion, chopped
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1 pepper (any color), sliced
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120 ml tomato sauce
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Sugar (a pinch, to balance acidity)
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3 cloves garlic, chopped
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60 ml water
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3 eggs
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50 g cheese, grated (mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese)
Optional:
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
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Red chili flakes for heat
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Feta cheese for a tangy finish
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Zucchini Stir-Fry
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Peel the zucchini section by section for a striped effect. This leaves some skin on for texture while removing just enough to soften the bite.
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Cut the zucchini into cubes, about 1/2 inch in size for even cooking.
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Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
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Fry the zucchini cubes for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste, then fry for an additional 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
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Remove the zucchini from the pan and set aside.
2. Cook the Onion and Pepper
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Heat a little more olive oil in the same or a separate pan over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and fry for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
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Add the sliced pepper and continue frying for another 2–3 minutes until tender.
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Pour in the tomato sauce (120 ml) and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.
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Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
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Add chopped garlic and pour in 60 ml of water.
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Cook for 3–5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the vegetables to absorb the flavor.
3. Combine and Add Eggs
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Return the fried zucchini to the pan with the sauce and vegetable mixture. Mix gently to coat the zucchini with the sauce.
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Beat the eggs in a bowl with a pinch of salt.
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Pour the eggs evenly over the vegetable mixture.
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Cover the pan and let cook for 5 minutes over low to medium heat. The eggs should begin to set around the edges.
4. Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
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Sprinkle grated cheese (50 g or more if desired) evenly over the egg and vegetable mixture.
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Cover again and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the eggs are fully set.
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Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a minute or two.
5. Serve
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Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for freshness if desired.
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Serve hot, directly from the skillet with warm bread or a side salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
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Calories: 280
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Protein: 12g
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Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 14g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 5g
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Sodium: 350mg
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Calcium: 150mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Dishes that combine sautéed vegetables with eggs and cheese are cherished across many cuisines. From shakshuka in North Africa to menemen in Turkey and frittatas in Italy, these rustic skillet meals make the most of fresh vegetables and pantry staples. Zucchini is particularly beloved for its mild flavor, tender texture, and ability to soak up rich sauces like tomato and garlic.
This version elevates that concept with just enough cheese to bind everything and enough sauce to keep it juicy and flavorful. It has become a favorite on social media and food blogs for its balance of ease, nutrition, and comfort.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Budget-friendly and uses simple pantry staples
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Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt
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High in nutrients and flavor without heavy ingredients
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Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
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One-pan cooking for minimal cleanup
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Easy to double or stretch with rice, pasta, or bread
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Delicious hot or at room temperature
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Fast enough for busy weeknights
Health Benefits
Zucchini Stir-Fry with Tomato Sauce, Eggs, and Cheese is packed with fresh produce and wholesome ingredients that nourish the body.
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Zucchini is low in calories and rich in water and vitamin C
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Tomato sauce provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant
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Garlic and onion are immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory
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Eggs offer protein and essential fats
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Cheese adds calcium and satisfaction
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Olive oil contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
This dish is well-balanced, light, and energizing while keeping you full and satisfied.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with warm flatbread, crusty bread, or pita
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Pair with a simple green salad for a light dinner
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Add a side of rice or couscous to stretch the meal
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Top with yogurt or sour cream for a creamy contrast
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Pack leftovers in a container for a healthy lunch
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Serve with olives or pickled vegetables for Mediterranean flair
Cooking Tips
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Don’t overcook the zucchini—it should stay tender but not mushy
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Adjust the seasoning depending on the acidity of your tomato sauce
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Use fresh garlic rather than garlic powder for a deeper flavor
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Covering the pan when adding eggs helps them steam and set evenly
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Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet for easier cleanup
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Try layering cheese under and over the eggs for more richness
Variations to Try
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Add spinach or kale for more greens
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Use feta instead of grated cheese for a tangier flavor
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Add chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick
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Use sweet red or yellow peppers instead of green for added sweetness
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Stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas for added protein
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Replace tomato sauce with diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture
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Add fresh basil or oregano for an herbal boost
Conclusion
Zucchini Stir-Fry with Tomato Sauce, Eggs, and Cheese is a cozy, flexible, and highly satisfying dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With soft zucchini, a garlicky tomato base, gently set eggs, and melted cheese on top, every bite is comforting, savory, and rich in Mediterranean character. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this one-pan wonder is bound to become a regular in your rotation.
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Omit the eggs and cheese, and use plant-based alternatives. Add cooked chickpeas or tofu for protein.
2. What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but cheddar, gouda, or feta also work great depending on the flavor you want.
3. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, crushed or diced tomatoes work well. Simmer a bit longer to thicken the sauce.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Let cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
5. Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and can be eaten hot or at room temperature, making it perfect for lunchboxes.
6. Can I bake it instead of frying?
Yes. After combining the vegetables and sauce, pour into a baking dish, add the eggs and cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.
7. What can I use instead of zucchini?
Eggplant, summer squash, or even cauliflower would be good substitutes.
8. Can I add meat to the dish?
Yes, ground beef or crumbled sausage can be cooked with the onion and pepper.
9. What’s a good side dish?
A crisp salad, toasted bread, or lemony couscous all pair well.
10. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat gently before serving.