Description of this recipe
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that transforms ordinary zucchini into a delightful treat. Perfect as a side dish for barbecues, a light lunch, or even a quick snack, these skewers are easy to make and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. The combination of garlic-infused butter and perfectly grilled or roasted zucchini creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that is both satisfying and healthy.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore these Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers for several reasons. First, they’re incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of main courses, from grilled chicken and fish to hearty burgers. Second, they’re quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Third, the garlic butter marinade elevates the humble zucchini to new heights, adding a rich, savory depth that is simply irresistible. Finally, they’re a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a way that’s both delicious and fun.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchini, washed and sliced into thick rounds
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers for grilling
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Begin by thoroughly washing the zucchini. Pat them dry to ensure they’ll grill or roast properly, achieving a slightly crispy exterior. Slice the zucchini into ½-inch-thick rounds. This thickness is crucial: too thin, and they’ll become mushy; too thick, and they might not cook through. Evenly sized slices ensure uniform cooking, so take your time to cut them with precision. Lay the slices on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently press to remove any excess moisture. Removing excess moisture is key to getting that perfect char and preventing soggy skewers.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Ensure the butter is fully melted to achieve a smooth and consistent marinade. The combination of butter and olive oil provides a rich flavor and helps the zucchini to caramelize beautifully during cooking. Mince the garlic finely to release its aromatic oils fully into the marinade. Add the salt and pepper according to your taste preference; a little extra pepper can add a pleasant kick. The Italian seasoning blend contributes a classic Mediterranean flavor profile that complements the zucchini perfectly. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined, creating a luscious, fragrant marinade.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before assembling. Soaking prevents the wood from burning on the grill or in the oven. Thread the zucchini slices onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each slice to allow for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; too many slices packed together can lead to steaming rather than grilling or roasting. Once the zucchini is threaded, generously brush each skewer with the garlic butter marinade, ensuring all sides are well coated. This marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the zucchini moist during cooking.
Step 4: Grill or Roast
- Grill Method: Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat of around 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on the grill grates and cook for approximately 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Continue to brush the zucchini with the remaining garlic butter marinade as they cook, adding layers of flavor. The zucchini should be tender and slightly charred when done. Use tongs to flip the skewers, being careful not to damage the delicate zucchini slices. The grilling process should infuse the zucchini with a smoky flavor that complements the garlic butter perfectly.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the prepared skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. For an extra touch of char, broil the skewers for the last 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. The zucchini should be tender and slightly caramelized when done. The oven method provides a more consistent cooking temperature, resulting in evenly cooked zucchini with a slightly softer texture compared to grilling.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers from the grill or oven and place them on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter marinade over the skewers for an extra boost of flavor. Serve immediately as a side dish, appetizer, or light meal. The bright green parsley not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds a subtle herbal note that complements the rich garlic butter.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide range of dishes. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete and healthy meal. They also make a fantastic side dish for barbecues, complementing burgers, sausages, and other grilled favorites. For a vegetarian option, serve them with quinoa, couscous, or a fresh salad. You can also chop up the cooked zucchini and toss it with pasta for a simple and flavorful dish. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board, adding a fresh and vibrant element to the selection.
Tips:
- To prevent zucchini from becoming soggy, pat dry the slices thoroughly before threading them onto the skewers.
- Soaking wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes before grilling or roasting prevents them from burning.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a small gap between each slice to allow for even cooking.
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter in the marinade. To make browned butter, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest to the marinade for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Experiment with different seasonings, such as red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 120
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a delightful and easy way to enjoy the fresh flavors of zucchini. Whether you grill them for a smoky char or roast them for a tender finish, these skewers are sure to become a favorite. The simple yet flavorful marinade elevates the humble zucchini, making it a versatile and satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, barbecues, or any occasion, these skewers are a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or oven, and prepare to enjoy a culinary treat that is both delicious and nutritious.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
A: Absolutely! Yellow squash is a great substitute for zucchini in this recipe. Both vegetables have a similar texture and mild flavor, so the substitution will work seamlessly. Using a mix of zucchini and yellow squash can also add a nice visual appeal to the skewers.
Q2: What can I do to prevent the zucchini from becoming too soft or mushy?
A: The key to preventing mushy zucchini is to remove excess moisture before cooking. Pat the zucchini slices dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Also, avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this can cause the zucchini to steam rather than grill or roast. Finally, make sure your grill or oven is hot enough to ensure the zucchini cooks quickly and develops a nice char on the outside.
Q3: Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the skewers ahead of time, which makes this recipe great for meal prepping. Assemble the skewers, brush them with the garlic butter marinade, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply grill or roast as directed. Keep in mind that the zucchini may release some moisture while stored, so pat them dry again before cooking if necessary.
Q4: What are some other vegetables I can add to these skewers?
A: The possibilities are endless! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers (especially red or yellow for color), mushrooms, and red onions all work well on these skewers. Choose vegetables that have similar cooking times to zucchini to ensure they all cook evenly. For example, you might want to pre-cook denser vegetables like potatoes or carrots before adding them to the skewers.
Q5: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
A: Yes, it’s easy to adapt this recipe to be dairy-free or vegan. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil. Ensure your Italian seasoning blend is also vegan-friendly, as some blends may contain dairy. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, so with a simple butter substitution, you can enjoy these delicious Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers while adhering to a dairy-free or vegan diet.
