If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful side dish that can easily steal the spotlight at any gathering, this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe is your new go-to. The tender zucchini slices soak up the rich, garlicky butter, while the grill adds just the right hint of smokiness and char. This combination hits all the marks—vibrant color, irresistible aroma, and mouthwatering taste—that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight treat or a show-stopping party appetizer, these skewers deliver simplicity and satisfaction on every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential to nailing this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, creating a beautifully harmonious dish that’s simple yet packed with character.
- Zucchini (2 medium): Fresh and firm zucchini gives the perfect tender bite when grilled, soaking up flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Butter adds a rich, creamy base that carries the garlic and herbs right into each zucchini slice.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch, infusing the dish with warmth and depth.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): This herb adds a subtle earthiness that complements the garlic without overpowering it.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, these enhance all the natural flavors transparently.
- Skewers (wooden or metal): These make grilling fun and easy, helping keep the slices evenly cooked and perfect for serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium heat. This ensures a steady temperature that will cook the zucchini evenly without burning the butter coating. A perfectly heated grill is the first key to getting those beautiful char marks that bring both flavor and visual appeal.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mixture will transform the zucchini slices into a garlicky delight. Stir well to evenly distribute the herbs and seasoning with the buttery base.
Step 3: Thread the Zucchini onto Skewers
Take your sliced zucchini and carefully thread them onto your skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each slice to allow the heat to circulate and cook the zucchini thoroughly and evenly on all sides.
Step 4: Brush the Skewers with Garlic Butter
Generously brush the garlic butter mixture all over the zucchini slices, covering each piece with that luscious coating. This step is key to infusing every bite with the rich, garlicky flavor that sets this recipe apart.
Step 5: Grill Until Tender and Charred
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. You want tender zucchini with just the right hint of char on the edges, which adds a smoky note and a satisfying texture contrast. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook and become mushy.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate these skewers from delicious to irresistible. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a herbal brightness, or add a squeeze of lemon juice to add a zesty contrast that cuts through the buttery richness.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with grilled meats, pasta, or a light quinoa salad. Their fresh, buttery flavor complements heartier dishes while adding a green, nutrient-packed boost to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these skewers on a wooden cutting board drizzled with a touch of balsamic glaze or alongside a small bowl of spicy aioli or tzatziki for dipping. They also look fantastic arranged vertically in a rustic jar for easy party serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because zucchini tends to release moisture, it’s best to enjoy them within this timeframe for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
While zucchini doesn’t freeze perfectly due to its high water content, you can freeze the garlic butter mixture separately. When ready to cook, thaw the butter mix and use fresh zucchini for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers on a grill pan or under a broiler for a few minutes until warmed through. This helps revive the charred edges and keeps the zucchini from becoming soggy, maintaining that delicious grilled texture.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and even asparagus work beautifully alongside zucchini when threaded onto skewers and brushed with garlic butter. Just adjust grilling time based on the veggie’s tenderness.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring your skewers stay intact and safe to handle.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook these skewers under the broiler in your oven or on a grill pan on the stovetop. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning the garlic butter.
How do I prevent the zucchini from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled before placing the skewers. The melted butter helps, but a little extra oil brushed on the grates will make turning the zucchini much easier.
Can I make the garlic butter mixture in advance?
Yes! Mixing the garlic butter ahead of time allows the flavors to meld even more. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container and bring to room temperature before brushing on the skewers.
Final Thoughts
Ready to wow your friends and family with a dish that’s as simple as it is sensational? The Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe is a perfect example of how a handful of fresh ingredients and a little love on the grill can create magic. Give it a try at your next meal—you’ll wonder how zucchini ever tasted so good!
Print
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a quick and flavorful grilled side dish perfect for summer barbecues or a healthy snack. Tender zucchini rounds are coated in a savory garlic butter mixture with herbs and grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky char and deliciously buttery taste in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main 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 the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to ensure it’s ready for optimal cooking temperature for the zucchini skewers.
- Prepare the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend all the flavors.
- Thread the zucchini: Carefully thread the sliced zucchini rounds onto wooden or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each slice for even cooking.
- Apply garlic butter: Generously brush the garlic butter mixture all over the zucchini skewers, ensuring every slice is coated.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally so the zucchini becomes tender and develops a nice char without burning.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Use fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil as a garnish for extra flavor and color.
- Adjust garlic amount according to preference for mild or strong garlic taste.
- Great served as a side with grilled meats or as a vegetarian appetizer.
- Can be cooked on a stovetop grill pan if outdoor grill is unavailable.
