If you’re craving a simple yet irresistibly flavorful veggie treat, the Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender zucchini rounds perfectly grilled and drenched in a luscious garlic butter blend infused with herbaceous oregano, making every bite juicy, savory, and downright addictive. It’s an easy way to elevate zucchini, turning it into a star side dish or a light snack that everyone will beg to have again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is the key to this recipe’s success. Each component adds a burst of flavor or a texture that makes these skewers unforgettable.
- Zucchini: Use medium zucchinis sliced into ½-inch rounds for perfect grilling texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melting this creates a rich, silky base for the garlic to shine.
- Garlic: Freshly minced cloves pack a punch and infuse the butter with irresistible aroma.
- Dried oregano (or Italian seasoning): Adds a fragrant herb layer that complements the zucchini beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): Essential for threading and grilling your zucchini with ease.
How to Make Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Begin by heating your grill to a medium temperature. This ensures a perfect balance between getting that smokey char on the zucchini and cooking them through without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
Mix the melted butter, freshly minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This aromatic sauce is the heart of the Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe, infusing each bite with buttery garlic goodness and a hint of herbaceous warmth.
Step 3: Thread the Zucchini Slices
Carefully slide the zucchini rounds onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each slice. This spacing allows even cooking and ensures the garlic butter coats every surface beautifully.
Step 4: Brush on the Garlic Butter
Generously brush the prepared mixture over all sides of the zucchini skewers. Don’t be shy here—this is what transforms simple zucchini into a mouthwatering delight.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. You want tender zucchini that’s just lightly charred on the edges, locking in juicy flavor with every bite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese elevates the presentation and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds a lovely, bright contrast to the rich garlic butter.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers make a fantastic companion to grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as part of a vibrant Mediterranean spread. Pair them with fluffy couscous or a light quinoa salad for a balanced, colorful meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these skewers on a rustic wooden board with dipping sauces like tzatziki or a smoky chipotle mayo. You could also chop the grilled zucchini off the skewers and toss them into a pasta or grain bowl for an extra touch of garlicky goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover zucchini skewers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day snack or quick side.
Freezing
While freezing zucchini tends to affect its texture, you can still freeze the grilled skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Use them within one month and plan to use reheated zucchini in casseroles or mixed dishes where texture isn’t as critical.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the skewers on a grill pan or under a broiler to regain that smoky char and warmth. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the zucchini soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini in this recipe?
Absolutely! This Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe works beautifully with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and even eggplant. Just adjust grilling time based on the vegetable’s texture.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the zucchini prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring safe and easy handling.
Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the garlic butter blend a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. Bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick stir before brushing on the zucchini.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, zucchini is naturally low in carbs, and since the recipe focuses on butter, garlic, and herbs, it fits perfectly into many low-carb or keto-friendly meal plans.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook these indoors?
You can easily make this recipe using a grill pan or even baking the skewers in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that lovely caramelization.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the simplicity and flavor punch of the Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe. Whether you’re grilling for a weekend BBQ or looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner, this recipe is an absolute winner. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making these garlicky, buttery skewers again and again.
Print
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a quick and delicious grilled side dish featuring tender zucchini slices brushed with a flavorful garlic butter and herb mixture. Perfect for summer barbecues or a healthy weeknight meal, they offer a savory, slightly charred taste that complements any main course.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking and a nice char on the zucchini slices.
- Prepare garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring well to blend the flavors.
- Skewer the zucchini: Thread the zucchini slices onto the skewers, leaving slight spacing between each piece to allow heat circulation and even cooking.
- Brush with garlic butter: Generously coat the zucchini skewers with the prepared garlic butter mixture on all sides to infuse flavor and help prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and has nicely charred edges.
Notes
- You can soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute dried oregano with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs for variation.
- These skewers can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Brush additional garlic butter on the zucchini during grilling for extra flavor and moisture.
- For a low-fat option, use olive oil instead of butter.
