If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and effortlessly delightful side dish, look no further than this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe. It transforms humble zucchini into bite-sized morsels bursting with garlicky richness and a buttery finish that simply melts in your mouth. Perfectly charred on the grill, these skewers are a stunning way to bring fresh summer vibes to your table. They’re quick to prepare yet so satisfying, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients make the biggest impact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, straightforward ingredients is what makes this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe a breeze and incredibly delicious. Each ingredient plays a special role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma you’ll fall in love with.
- 2 medium zucchinis: The star of the dish, providing a tender and slightly crisp texture when grilled.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy base that carries the garlic flavors beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic injects that bold, savory punch essential for the recipe’s signature taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning): Offers an herbal, slightly earthy note that complements the butter and garlic perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish naturally.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): Essential for assembling and grilling the zucchini evenly with ease.
How to Make Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium heat—it sets the stage for achieving those gorgeous grill marks and a delightful smoky flavor without overcooking the delicate zucchini slices. A properly heated grill ensures even cooking and caramelization.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
While the grill warms, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This mix is your flavor powerhouse, so make sure the garlic is finely minced to spread throughout every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the zucchini slices onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow the heat to circulate and the marinade to seep in. The spacing also helps each slice get beautifully charred without steaming.
Step 4: Brush with Garlic Butter
Generously coat the zucchini slices with your garlic butter blend, making sure each surface is well covered. This layer not only infuses flavor but also helps prevent sticking on the grill, resulting in a luscious, golden glaze.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. You want to see tender zucchini with charming char marks that add a hint of smokiness. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning while achieving that perfect tender-crisp bite.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a beautiful pop of color and fresh brightness against the warm buttery zucchini. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the flavors even more and add a delightful tang.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted potatoes, or a light quinoa salad. Their buttery garlic flavor makes them an adaptable companion, perfect for summer barbecues or a healthy weeknight dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skewers on a rustic wooden board alongside bowls of hummus or tzatziki for dipping. You can also slide off the zucchini to create a colorful vegetable platter or incorporate them into wraps and grain bowls to add a smoky, garlicky vegetable boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover grilled zucchini skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them a great option for next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
While freezing grilled zucchini skewers isn’t ideal since they can get watery when thawed, you can freeze the garlic butter mixture separately. Simply thaw and brush on freshly grilled zucchini anytime for a quick fix.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, gently warm the skewers in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until just warmed through. This method helps retain that lovely buttery coating without turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables with this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even eggplant cubes work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times to ensure even grilling without burning more delicate veggies.
Do I have to use skewers? Can I grill zucchini without them?
Skewers make grilling easier and keep the zucchini slices from slipping through the grates. If you don’t have skewers, you can use a grill basket or grill the slices directly on the grates but watch them carefully.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil. The garlic and herbs will still shine beautifully, giving you the same delicious flavor profile without dairy.
Is it necessary to pre-melt the butter?
Melting the butter makes mixing with garlic and herbs effortless and allows for easy brushing. You could also lightly warm the mixture in a small pan; this step helps the flavors meld before hitting the grill.
Can I prepare this recipe indoors? What’s the best method?
Yes! You can cook the skewers under a broiler or on a grill pan over medium-high heat. Just turn frequently to mimic the even charring of outdoor grilling.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, flavorful veggies that are simple yet unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a quick healthy side, these skewers never disappoint. The combination of buttery garlic, tender zucchini, and light char brings a smile to every bite. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find yourself making it 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
Description
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a quick and flavorful grilled vegetable dish perfect as a healthy side or appetizer. Tender zucchini slices are brushed with a savory garlic butter mixture and grilled until charred and delicious.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat to ensure even cooking and perfect charring on the zucchini skewers.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the zucchini slices onto the skewers, leaving a slight space between each piece to allow even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over all sides of the zucchini skewers, ensuring each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- 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 nice grill marks and slight char.
Notes
- For best results, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute dried oregano with Italian seasoning for a different herbal flavor profile.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for garlicky intensity.
- These skewers can also be cooked in a grill pan on the stovetop if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
