Description
These savory and easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a delightful side dish perfect for grilling season. Tender zucchini rounds are brushed with a fragrant garlic butter mixture, seasoned with salt and pepper, and grilled to perfection with a slight char. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes or lemon juice, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3–4 medium zucchini, cut into thick rounds or half-moons
Garlic Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings & Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers and Zucchini: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. Meanwhile, wash and cut the zucchini into thick rounds or half-moons, suitable for threading onto skewers.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. Stir in the olive oil and immediately remove the saucepan from heat to preserve the buttery garlic aroma.
- Thread Zucchini onto Skewers: Carefully thread the zucchini pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, spacing them slightly apart to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Season and Brush with Garlic Butter: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the zucchini pieces on the skewers. Generously brush all sides of the zucchini with the prepared garlic butter mixture to infuse flavor and help with caramelization during cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven broiler to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until the zucchini is tender and lightly charred. During grilling, brush the skewers with any remaining garlic butter to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cooked zucchini skewers to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to add brightness and a touch of heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Thicker zucchini cuts help maintain shape and texture during grilling.
- You can use a grill pan or oven broiler if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Adding lemon juice or red pepper flakes at the end brightens the flavor and adds a mild kick.
- These skewers pair well with grilled meats or can be served as a vegetarian main dish with couscous or quinoa.
