Grilling up a batch of my famous Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers is one of my favorite summertime activities. There’s just something so satisfying about threading juicy zucchini chunks onto skewers, slathering them in a rich garlic butter sauce, and watching them sizzle to perfection over an open flame. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, savory, and indulgent – and the aroma alone is enough to make my mouth water!
I remember the first time I made these Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers. It was a sweltering July day, and I had a fridge full of zucchini from my overproductive garden. I wanted to do something special with them, so I started experimenting in the kitchen. After a few failed attempts, I landed on this winning combination of tender zucchini, aromatic garlic, and rich, melty butter. From the very first bite, I knew I had struck gold. These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers have been a summer staple in my house ever since.
Table of Contents
Why This Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers
The secret to these Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers is all in the technique. By cutting the zucchini into uniform chunks and threading them onto skewers, you ensure even cooking and maximum surface area for that delectable garlic butter sauce to cling to. And the key to the sauce itself? A blend of freshly minced garlic, melted butter, and just a touch of lemon juice for brightness. This recipe makes 8 servings, with each serving being 1 skewer, so it’s the perfect shareable side dish or appetizer for summer gatherings.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers, you’ll need:
- 4 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Instructions
Preparing Your Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers
This recipe takes 20 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll need 8 metal or wooden skewers (if using wooden, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning). Let’s get started!
1- Cut the zucchinis into 1-inch chunks, making sure they’re all a similar size for even cooking.
2- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3- Thread the zucchini chunks onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
4- Brush the zucchini skewers generously with the garlic butter sauce, making sure to coat all sides.
5- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6- Grill the Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers for 5 minutes per side, or until the zucchini is tender and charred in spots. Serve hot!
Pro Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, try grilling some sliced onions or cherry tomatoes alongside the zucchini skewers.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers – leave a little space between each piece of zucchini for even cooking.
- Keep a close eye on the skewers to prevent the garlic butter from burning.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from charring.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are the perfect summertime side dish, especially when paired with grilled meats, fish, or veggie burgers. They also make a fantastic appetizer for backyard barbecues and pool parties. Each serving is 1 skewer, and this recipe yields 8 servings total, so it’s easy to scale up for a crowd. For drinks, I love serving these skewers with a crisp white wine, a refreshing lemonade, or an ice-cold beer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the zucchini skewers up to 1 day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just brush them with the garlic butter sauce right before grilling. You can also make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers
Creative Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Variations
Looking to mix things up? Try swapping in yellow squash or eggplant for the zucchini. You can also experiment with different herb and spice combinations – maybe some fresh thyme, rosemary, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. For a cheesy twist, try grating some Parmesan over the skewers before serving.
Making Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Diet-Friendly
To make these Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers suitable for special diets, you can easily make a few simple swaps. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter. And for a low-carb or keto-friendly take, serve the skewers over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of squash instead of zucchini?
A: Absolutely! Yellow squash or even eggplant would also work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cut the pieces into similar 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 8 servings, with each serving being 1 skewer.
Q: How long does it take to make these Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers?
A: This recipe takes 20 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking.
Q: Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the garlic butter sauce up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Q: What should I do if the zucchini starts to overcook on the grill?
A: If you notice the zucchini pieces starting to get too soft or charred, simply move the skewers to a cooler spot on the grill or reduce the heat. You can also try basting the skewers with a bit of extra garlic butter to help prevent burning.
Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a mouthwatering appetizer or side dish that are bursting with flavor. Tender zucchini is coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and grilled to perfection, creating a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home.
Ingredients
– 4 medium zucchini, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
1. – Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. – In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the zucchini pieces and toss to coat.
3. – Thread the zucchini pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers.
4. – Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and lightly charred.
5. – Serve the garlic butter zucchini skewers immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
For even cooking, cut the zucchini into uniform pieces. You can also broil the skewers in the oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are the perfect summertime side dish or appetizer. With their perfectly tender zucchini, rich garlic butter coating, and charred, caramelized edges, they’re sure to be a hit at your next backyard barbecue or family gathering. Plus, this recipe is so easy to make and only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. What are you waiting for? Get grilling and enjoy the flavors of the season with these irresistible Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers!
