As the sun begins to set and the aroma of grilled favorites dances through the air, there’s nothing quite like the sizzle of fresh vegetables on the barbecue. Today, I want to share my love for easy and vibrant Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers, the perfect veggie side that brings a burst of summer to any gathering. These skewers are not only fast to prep but also a delightful way to elevate your grilling game, making them a go-to option for any picnic or BBQ. The combination of tender zucchini paired with rich garlic butter creates a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to impress family and friends. Ready to add a fresh twist to your summer cookouts? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that celebrates the best of seasonal produce!
Why Are Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous BBQs.
Flavor Explosion: The rich garlic butter seeps into every tender piece of zucchini, delivering a savory taste that outshines typical veggie sides.
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy these skewers alongside grilled meats, pasta, or even as part of a vegetable platter for gatherings!
Impressively Gourmet: With their vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma, these skewers look and taste like a high-end dish, elevating any meal without any fuss.
Healthy Choice: Low in calories yet high in flavor, they make for a guilt-free addition to your summer spread.
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Ingredients
For the Skewers
- Zucchini – Fresh and the star of this dish; for a twist, yellow squash can be used as a substitute.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; for a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or olive oil.
- Minced Garlic – Essential for that bold garlic flavor; fresh is best, but jarred works too in a pinch.
- Olive Oil – Coats the zucchini to add flavor and prevent sticking; avocado oil can work as an alternative.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor; sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for the best taste.
- Black Pepper – Brings a touch of spice; swap for white pepper for a milder kick.
For Serving
- Lemon Juice – A splash of freshness that brightens up the skewers.
- Parmesan Cheese or Fresh Herbs – Optional toppings for extra flavor and a gourmet touch; try thyme or basil to elevate the dish.
Dive into these Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers—the perfect companion for your summer BBQs!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers
Step 1: Prepare Zucchini
Begin by washing the zucchinis under cold water, ensuring they’re clean and fresh. Slice the zucchinis into thick rounds or half-moons about ½ inch thick for even cooking. This shape will allow for a delightful tender bite when grilled. Set the sliced zucchini aside on a clean plate or cutting board while you prepare the garlic butter.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add 3 to 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant—taking care not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can spoil the flavor. Remove from heat and set aside, allowing it to infuse while you season the zucchini.
Step 3: Season Zucchini
In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a generous sprinkle of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Pour in the prepared garlic butter, tossing everything together until the zucchini is evenly coated. This step ensures that each piece absorbs the rich flavors, preparing the zucchini for grilling excellence.
Step 4: Assemble Skewers
Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Once soaked, thread the seasoned zucchini pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between them for even cooking. Aim for 3 to 4 pieces per skewer, ensuring they fit snugly without crowding.
Step 5: Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (200°C). When the grill is hot, place the zucchini skewers on the grates. Grill them for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they become tender and grill marks appear. Look for the zucchini to be slightly charred and easily pierced with a fork; this indicates they’re cooked to perfection.
Step 6: Serve
Once the Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are beautifully charred and aromatic, remove them from the grill. Drizzle with a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness before serving. Enjoy them hot as a scrumptious side dish or vibrant appetizer that will surely elevate your summer BBQ gatherings!
Make Ahead Options
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you precious time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the skewers by assembling them up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wash and slice the zucchini, toss them in the garlic butter mixture, and thread them onto soaked wooden skewers. Store the assembled skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. To maintain quality, avoid adding lemon juice until right before serving to keep the zucchini fresh. When you’re ready to cook, simply grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, and you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavors with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers?
These vibrant skewers are just the beginning of a mouthwatering summer feast that will make your taste buds sing.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken enhances the meal with savory goodness, perfectly complementing the zesty zucchini.
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Steak Fajitas: The flavorful spice of sizzling steak creates a bold contrast to the buttery, tender zucchini skewers for a dynamic dining experience.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet and crunchy corn adds a delightful texture, bringing a classic, summery side to your table that blends beautifully with the skewers.
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Quinoa Salad: A light and fresh quinoa salad adds a nutritious boost, with grains offering a hearty base and flavorful vegetables contributing a refreshing touch.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy coleslaw balances the garlic notes, providing a cooling effect that enhances your BBQ spread with every bite.
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Watermelon Feta Salad: This sweet and savory dish adds a refreshing element to the meal, turning your barbecue into a vibrant feast that guests will love.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: A chilled glass of zesty lemonade or refreshing iced tea hydrates and uplifts the palate, making it the perfect drink to accompany your skewers.
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and personalize these skewers to match your taste buds!
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Colorful Veggie Medley: Substitute zucchini with bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for an exciting twist of flavors and textures. Mixing different colors makes your dish more visually appealing too!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of unsalted butter to keep it dairy-free without sacrificing flavor. You can still enjoy that buttery goodness in every bite.
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Herb-Infused Goodness: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or basil before grilling to elevate the flavor profile. The aromatic oils from fresh herbs add a delightful freshness that complements the garlic beautifully.
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Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the garlic butter mixture. This simple addition can make your skewers sizzle with a fiery kick!
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Zesty Lemon Twist: Enhance the brightness by marinating the zucchini in lemon juice before grilling. This will infuse a tangy freshness that will dance on your taste buds.
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Cheesy Indulgence: When the skewers are almost finished grilling, sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese for a decadently cheesy finish. This hearty touch takes your skewers to the next level.
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Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the cooked skewers just before serving for a rich and tangy glaze. This adds a gourmet touch that your guests will love!
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Asian-inspired Flavors: Marinate the zucchini in sesame oil and soy sauce for a unique twist, accompanied by sesame seeds before grilling. This fusion will take your summer BBQ to a new cuisine!
Pair these delicious variations with some pasta or serve them alongside crispy grilled chicken for a delightful spread. If you’re in the mood for something cheesy, don’t forget to check out Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps—they’re just as mouthwatering!
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers
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Uniform Cutting: Ensure all zucchini pieces are cut to a similar size (about ½ inch thick) for even cooking on the grill.
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Watch the Garlic: Take care not to let the garlic brown while making the butter; burnt garlic can impart an unpleasant bitterness to your Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers.
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Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes. This prevents burning and ensures your skewers hold up during grilling.
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Grill Marks: Turn the skewers regularly while grilling to achieve beautiful char marks without overcooking; ideally, cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
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Add Variety: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes on the skewers to enhance the flavor profile and color of your Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers.
How to Store and Freeze Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers
Fridge: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a microwave or on the grill for a quick revival of flavor.
Freezer: If you want to prepare them ahead of time, freeze the assembled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen skewers in the fridge overnight before reheating. Grill or heat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Meal Prep Tip: Assemble Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling, making your BBQ planning even easier!
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right zucchini?
Absolutely! For the best garlic butter zucchini skewers, look for firm zucchinis that are free of dark spots or blemishes. A zucchini should feel heavy for its size; this indicates freshness. Aim for medium-sized zucchinis, as larger ones might have more seeds and a spongy texture.
How should I store leftover skewers?
Very! Store any leftover garlic butter zucchini skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can simply reheat them on the grill or in the microwave for a quick flavor refresh.
Can I freeze the skewers?
Absolutely! You can prepare garlic butter zucchini skewers ahead of time and freeze them for later use. First, lay the assembled skewers on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer the skewers to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and grill at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
What if my zucchini is overcooked on the grill?
Not to worry! If your zucchini becomes overcooked and mushy, it can be a quick learning experience for next time. Aim for a grilling time of 8-10 minutes, turning them regularly. If they soften too much, try slightly reducing the heat or cooking time. You want them to be tender yet firm enough to hold their shape.
Are garlic butter zucchini skewers safe for pets?
Very! While zucchini itself is pet-friendly, the garlic in the garlic butter can be toxic to dogs and cats in larger amounts. If you’re sharing with your furry friends, it’s best to serve them plain cooked zucchini without the garlic butter.
Can I make these skewers vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or use olive oil for a delicious plant-based alternative. This way, you can enjoy the same mouthwatering flavor of garlic butter zucchini skewers without any dairy!
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers That Summer BBQs Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the zucchinis by washing them under cold water, then slice into thick rounds or half-moons about ½ inch thick.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and simmer for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour in garlic butter and toss until coated.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread zucchini onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C) and grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Remove from grill, drizzle with lemon juice, and serve hot.
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