Easy Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

Last summer my neighbor dropped off an armful of zucchini from her garden and I stood in my kitchen staring at the pile, wondering how to make something that would actually excite people. I decided to thread them onto skewers and brush with garlic butter, which turned out to be the kind of simple magic that makes people ask for seconds before they've even finished their firsts.

I made these for a backyard barbecue last month and watched my vegetable-hating nephew accidentally eat five skewers before realizing they were zucchini. Sometimes the simplest preparations are the ones that convert people.

Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini, cut into inch thick rounds: Look for firm zucchini without soft spots and cut them evenly so they all finish grilling at the same time
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Let it cool slightly before mixing so it doesnt cook the garlic when you combine them
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here, jarred minced garlic just doesnt have the same punch
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Flat-leaf parsley has better flavor than curly and looks more elegant on the finished skewers
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the richness of the butter and brightens everything up
• ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Dont skimp on seasoning, zucchini needs help to shine
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional: Add this right off the grill while the skewers are still hot so it melts into the garlic butter

Instructions

Get your grill ready:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, letting it get good and hot so those beautiful char marks form immediately when the zucchini hits the grates

Make the garlic butter:

Whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl until everything is well combined

Thread the zucchini:

Slide the zucchini rounds onto skewers leaving a tiny bit of space between each piece so the heat can circulate and cook them evenly

Brush generously:

Coat all sides of the zucchini with the garlic butter mixture using a pastry brush, really getting into all the crevices

Grill to perfection:

Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning once, until tender and marked by the grill, brushing with more garlic butter halfway through cooking

Finish and serve:

Remove from the grill and sprinkle with Parmesan and extra parsley if you like, then serve immediately while still hot

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These skewers have become my go-to whenever someone says they dont like vegetables. Something about food on a stick makes everything more appealing, and the garlic butter doesnt hurt either.

Choosing the Best Zucchini

Ive learned that smaller to medium zucchini work better than the massive ones because they have fewer seeds and more tender flesh. The skin should be glossy and firm without any soft spots or wrinkles.

Grill Temperature Matters

Too hot and the garlic butter will burn before the zucchini is tender, too low and youll end up with soggy steamed vegetables. Medium-high is the sweet spot for getting that perfect balance of char and tenderness.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add cherry tomatoes or bell pepper chunks between the zucchini rounds for color variation. The tomatoes burst and create little pools of juice that mix with the garlic butter.

• Try adding red pepper flakes to the butter if you like some heat
• Fresh basil works beautifully in place of parsley for a different flavor profile
• These reheat surprisingly well in the oven at 350°F

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Theres something deeply satisfying about turning such humble vegetables into something people get excited about eating.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make these zucchini skewers ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The zucchini is best sliced and threaded onto skewers just before grilling to prevent them from becoming watery or discolored.

→ What type of grill works best for zucchini skewers?

Both outdoor grills and indoor grill pans work wonderfully. Preheat to medium-high heat to achieve nice grill marks while ensuring the zucchini cooks through evenly without burning.

→ How do I prevent zucchini from falling through the grill grates?

Thread the zucchini rounds onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This keeps them secure while allowing heat to circulate for even cooking. Metal skewers work best, but soaked wooden skewers also work well.

→ Can I add other vegetables to these skewers?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, bell pepper chunks, red onion slices, or even mushroom caps pair beautifully with zucchini. Just ensure all vegetables are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.

→ How do I know when the zucchini is done cooking?

The zucchini is ready when it's tender when pierced with a fork and displays light grill marks on both sides. This typically takes 4-5 minutes per side, depending on your grill temperature and the thickness of your zucchini rounds.

→ What should I serve with garlic butter zucchini skewers?

These skewers complement grilled chicken, steak, or fish perfectly. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the extra garlic butter. They also work well as part of a larger grilled vegetable platter.