If you are looking for a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm evenings and pairs wonderfully with almost any main course, this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe is absolutely calling your name. Tender zucchini rounds get beautifully charred on the grill and are infused with a luscious blend of garlic, butter, and aromatic oregano, creating a side that’s juicy, savory, and utterly irresistible. The best part? It’s easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect for both casual cookouts and elegant dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of fresh, essential ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. From the creamy melted butter that ensures every bite is rich, to the garlic that adds a punch of flavor, every component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance for these skewers.
- Zucchini: Choose firm, medium-sized zucchinis sliced into ½-inch rounds for an ideal grill texture and bite.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to infuse the skewers with creamy richness without overpowering the fresh zucchini flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced to give the skewers that irresistible pungent aroma and taste.
- Dried oregano (or Italian seasoning): Adds a lovely herbal note that complements the garlic and butter wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning essentials that enhance and balance all other flavors on the skewer.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): To hold the zucchini rounds securely during grilling and easy flipping.
How to Make Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Begin by heating your grill to medium heat. This temperature is perfect for gently cooking the zucchini through while allowing those beautiful char marks to develop without burning the garlic butter coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
While the grill warms up, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will be the secret sauce that elevates your zucchini skewers to new heights of flavor.
Step 3: Thread the Zucchini onto Skewers
Next, take your zucchini slices and thread them onto your skewers. Leave just a bit of space between each piece so that the heat can circulate evenly, and each slice gets beautifully charred all around.
Step 4: Brush the Skewers with Garlic Butter
Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the threaded zucchini. Don’t be shy here—this step is key to locking in moisture and infusing every bite with that irresistible garlicky richness.
Step 5: Grill Until Tender and Charred
Place the skewers on the grill and let them cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and develop those perfect, smoky grill marks. The zucchini should be tender with just a slight bite left, and the garlic butter should caramelize slightly on the surface.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the finished skewers for a pop of freshness and color that complements the deep garlic butter tones. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These garlic butter zucchini skewers pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, but they are just as delightful alongside rice pilaf, couscous, or even a crisp green salad. Their versatility makes them a fantastic choice for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
For a fun twist, serve the skewers over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside crusty garlic bread. You can also slide the cooked zucchini off the skewers onto a platter, drizzle more garlic butter over, and sprinkle toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to keep them covered to preserve the moisture and flavor of the garlic butter coating.
Freezing
Because zucchini tends to get a bit watery after freezing, it’s best to enjoy this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe fresh. Freezing is not recommended if you want to keep the vegetable’s texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftover skewers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the zucchini soggy and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables for this skewer recipe?
Absolutely! While zucchini is fantastic for this recipe, you can swap in eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add variety while still enjoying the garlic butter flavors.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, it’s best to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely—simply replace the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil to keep it dairy-free while maintaining the rich, garlicky taste.
What is the best way to cut zucchini for skewers?
Cut zucchini into ½-inch rounds as this thickness strikes the perfect balance between cooking quickly and holding together on the skewers.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the zucchini before grilling for a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe, it’s hard not to fall in love with how easy and delicious it is. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick turn on the grill, you get a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to whip up these skewers and share them with your favorite people—get ready for some serious compliments!
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: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a simple and delicious grilled vegetable side dish, featuring tender zucchini rounds brushed with a flavorful garlic butter mixture and seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper. Perfect for a quick and healthy addition to any meal.
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 Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat to prepare for cooking the skewers.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing well to create the flavorful basting sauce.
- Thread Zucchini: Thread the zucchini slices carefully onto the skewers, ensuring slight spacing between each piece for even cooking.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Generously brush the prepared garlic butter mixture over all sides of the zucchini skewers.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until the zucchini is tender and has nice char marks.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Feel free to substitute dried oregano with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs according to preference.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- These skewers pair well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light vegetarian appetizer.
- For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
