If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet wonderfully simple to prepare, this Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. These skewers bring together tender zucchini coated in a rich, garlicky butter that crisps slightly over the heat, delivering a perfect balance of savory goodness and fresh herbaceous notes. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive side for your next grill party, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible combination of flavors and textures. From the creamy butter to the fresh parsley, each one enhances the zucchini’s natural brightness and ensures these skewers are a delight every time.
- 3–4 medium zucchini: Choose firm, fresh zucchini and cut into thick rounds or half-moons for the perfect bite-sized pieces that hold up well on the grill.
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter: This adds a luscious richness that becomes infused with the garlic for that classic buttery flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a wonderful aromatic kick, elevating the zucchini beyond ordinary grilled vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to balance the butter and help everything cook evenly without sticking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the zucchini’s natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice to complement the garlic butter.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Fresh parsley brightens the dish, giving it a lovely green pop and fresh, herbaceous notes.
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice: For those who like a little extra heat or zesty brightness, these optional additions bring an exciting twist.
How to Make Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers and Zucchini
Begin by soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes if you’re using them—this prevents burning when you grill. Meanwhile, wash your zucchini thoroughly and slice them into thick rounds or half-moons to ensure they stay juicy and don’t slip off the skewers during cooking.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and gently cook it for 1 to 2 minutes until its fragrant aroma fills your kitchen—take care not to brown the garlic, as you want it soft and flavorful, not bitter. Stir in the olive oil to balance the richness and then remove the pan from the heat.
Step 3: Thread the Zucchini onto Skewers
Carefully thread your prepared zucchini pieces onto the soaked skewers. Leave some space between each piece; this ensures even cooking and lets that irresistible garlic butter coat every inch.
Step 4: Season and Brush with Garlic Butter
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper generously over the zucchini skewers. Then, brush all sides with the garlic butter mixture, making sure each piece is well coated—this is where the magic flavor fully develops.
Step 5: Grill Until Tender and Slightly Charred
Preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven broiler. Place the skewers down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Turn once carefully, and keep brushing with the garlic butter during cooking to lock in flavor and maintain moisture. You’re aiming for tender zucchini with a lovely light char that adds a smoky touch.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once grilled to perfection, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and if you enjoy a bit of extra flair, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors even more.
How to Serve Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a must for adding a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the garlic butter. A light dusting of red pepper flakes can bring a subtle heat that wakes up your palate, and a squeeze of lemon juice adds a citrusy zing that cuts through the buttery goodness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These zucchini skewers pair wonderfully with grilled meats or fish for a well-rounded meal. They’re also excellent alongside creamy mashed potatoes, a tangy quinoa salad, or even warm pita bread and hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, alternate zucchini with cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even chunks of bell pepper on the skewers—just keep the garlic butter brushing routine to keep things flavorful. Serving these skewers on a rustic wooden board with colorful veggie dips makes a stunning, shareable centerpiece for your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover skewers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid stacking them too tightly and drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top before sealing.
Freezing
Although zucchini can become a bit watery when frozen, you can freeze cooked skewers by placing them on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Use within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, use a grill pan or oven at medium heat to gently warm the skewers, brushing more garlic butter if needed to keep them moist and flavorful. Avoid the microwave to retain the best texture and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini in this skewers recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with other firm vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the vegetable’s texture but keep the garlic butter as your flavor base.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe is completely vegetarian and can even be made vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative.
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
Yes, metal skewers can be used and don’t require soaking. Just be cautious handling them as they can become very hot during grilling.
How do I avoid the zucchini from becoming mushy when grilled?
Cutting the zucchini into thick rounds or half-moons helps them retain their firmness. Also, grilling over medium-high heat quickly seals in moisture and prevents them from turning soggy.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the garlic butter a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm slightly before brushing it on the zucchini to bring back that lovely melty texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those effortless dishes that feels specially made just for sharing. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just looking to spice up your veggie routine, these skewers deliver incredible flavor with minimal fuss. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Savory and Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These savory and easy garlic butter zucchini skewers are a perfect appetizer or side dish that everyone will love. Featuring tender zucchini rounds coated in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, lightly seasoned, and grilled to perfection, these skewers offer a delicious, healthy way to enjoy vegetables with a smoky charred finish. Quick to prepare and cook, they make a great addition to any meal or summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3–4 medium zucchini, cut into thick rounds or half-moons
Garlic Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare skewers and zucchini: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. Meanwhile, wash and cut the zucchini into thick rounds or half-moons for easy threading onto the skewers.
- Make garlic butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic. Stir in olive oil, then remove from heat.
- Thread zucchini onto skewers: Carefully thread the zucchini pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Season and baste zucchini: Sprinkle the zucchini evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use a brush to generously coat all sides of the zucchini with the prepared garlic butter sauce.
- Grill the skewers: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or oven broiler to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for 3–4 minutes on each side, turning once, until the zucchini is tender with a light char. During grilling, brush the zucchini with remaining garlic butter for maximum flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer the cooked skewers to a platter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest before serving.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents burning during grilling.
- Adjust garlic amount based on your preference for garlic intensity.
- To make this dish spicier, add extra red pepper flakes when brushing the garlic butter.
- Can be cooked under the oven broiler if a grill is unavailable.
- Use fresh zucchini for best texture and flavor.
