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–+ servings
Easy Grilled Side Dish

Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers: Unburnt Garlic & Perfect Char

Discover the secret to perfectly tender-crisp garlic butter zucchini skewers with a revolutionary two-stage lemon-Parmesan garlic butter application. This method prevents burnt garlic and delivers vibrant flavor, ideal for grilling, roasting, or pan-frying.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Calories: 170
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Wooden or metal skewers
  • Medium bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Grill or Baking Sheet or Large Skillet

Method
 

Prepare Your Skewers and Zucchini
  1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  2. Wash and trim both ends of the zucchini. Cut each zucchini into 1-inch thick rounds or half-moons, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the zucchini pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss until evenly coated. This helps draw out moisture and enhances flavor.
  4. Carefully thread the seasoned zucchini onto your prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking and circulation.
Prepare Your Cooking Method
  1. For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C) and lightly oil the grates.
  2. For Oven Roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  3. For Stovetop Pan-Searing: Heat a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat with a small drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the Zucchini Skewers
  1. On the Grill: Place skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 2-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp with grill marks (total 8-16 minutes).
  2. In the Oven: Arrange skewers in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly golden.
  3. On the Stovetop: Place skewers in the hot skillet, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side until tender-crisp and nicely seared.
Prepare and Apply the Lemon-Parmesan Garlic Butter
  1. While zucchini cooks, combine the softened unsalted butter with finely minced fresh garlic, fresh lemon zest, chopped fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Mix until well combined.
  2. Once the zucchini skewers are cooked and hot, transfer them to a serving platter. Generously brush the warm skewers with the prepared lemon-Parmesan garlic butter. The residual heat will melt the butter, infusing flavor.
  3. Serve your garlic butter zucchini skewers immediately to enjoy their peak flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For tender-crisp skewers, use fresh, uniformly cut zucchini and pre-salt it. Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes. Apply the lemon-Parmesan garlic butter to hot skewers immediately after cooking to infuse maximum fresh flavor without burning the garlic. Avoid overcrowding for proper searing. Serve alongside grilled dishes, as a light meal, or a delicious appetizer. Leftovers keep for 3-4 days; reheat in a skillet or oven.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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