How to Flavor Zucchini

Stick to the essentials and season with salt and pepper. For a simple and swift dish, seasoning zucchini with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper is a timeless choice. After coating zucchini slices in olive oil and cooking, simply sprinkle them with salt and pepper to your liking.

• Use 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil for 2 medium zucchini.

Add a dash of a single spice to your grilled zucchini. You don’t need an array of ingredients to create a delicious dish with zucchini. Just one flavorful spice is sufficient. Cumin, for instance, pairs perfectly with zucchini on its own. To season with a single spice, drizzle 4 zucchini halves with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of olive oil. Then sprinkle the oiled zucchini with salt, pepper, and your chosen spice. If using ground cumin, ½ tablespoon (3.5 grams) should be plenty.

• Score the surface of the zucchini halves before drizzling with olive oil to enhance flavor absorption.

Indulge in a blend of spices for an explosion of flavor. You can generously season your zucchini with a variety of spices. For a spicy kick, mix ¼ teaspoon (0.6 grams) cumin powder, ¼ teaspoon (0.5 grams) coriander powder, ¼ teaspoon (0.6 grams) ground paprika, a pinch of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon (2.4 grams) salt, and 1/8 teaspoon (0.3 grams) black pepper in a bowl with 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) olive oil and 2 finely chopped garlic cloves. Blend thoroughly before adding sliced zucchini rounds to the mixture. Feel free to include additional spices or replace any of the ones listed according to your preference.

• The specified quantities are suitable for 2 medium zucchini.

Cover your zucchini with a flavorful garlic and herb concoction. For garlic enthusiasts, combining garlic with an assortment of herbs is a delightful option. Finely chop 2 tablespoons (3.4 grams) fresh rosemary and 2 tablespoons (7.4 grams) fresh parsley leaves, and place in a small bowl. Mix in 3 tablespoons (44 mL) olive oil, ¼ cup minced shallot (4 medium shallots), 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly before drizzling 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil over your zucchini slices and grilling them. Finally, pour the prepared garlicky sauce over the grilled slices before serving.

• This recipe yields enough sauce for seasoning 3 medium zucchini.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on your zucchini before baking. Parmesan cheese is a classic accompaniment to baked and roasted zucchini. For a flavorful blend of garlic and herbs, combine ½ cup (47 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon (0.7 grams) dried thyme, ½ teaspoon (0.6 grams) dried oregano, ½ teaspoon (0.6 grams) dried basil, ¼ teaspoon (0.8 grams) garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle 4 quartered zucchini with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil before sprinkling them with your herb mixture.

Infuse your zucchini with lemon and garlic before grilling. For a tangy twist, blend 2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, ¾ teaspoon (3.5 grams) sea salt, and ½ teaspoon (1.2 grams) freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Slice two medium zucchini into rounds and immerse them in the lemon garlic mixture. Cover and let marinate for at least 4 hours before grilling.

Add a kick to your zucchini with sriracha. Melt 1 tablespoon (14.2 grams) butter and mix with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) sriracha. Brush the mixture onto thinly sliced zucchini. Allow the zucchini to marinate in the sriracha and butter blend before grilling.

• 1 tablespoon (14.2 grams) butter and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) sriracha are adequate for seasoning 2 zucchini.

Roast your zucchini to unleash its natural essence. After coating your zucchini with your preferred spice or herb mixture, preheat your oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Arrange your seasoned zucchini slices on a lined baking sheet. Once the oven is heated, place the baking sheet inside and roast for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges of the zucchini turn golden brown.

Grill your zucchini for a bold, smoky taste. After marinating your zucchini in an olive oil and spice blend of your choosing, preheat your grill on high. Once hot, use tongs to place the zucchini rounds on the grill. Cover and grill the zucchini rounds for 2 minutes on each side.

• You can extend the grilling time for a crispier texture.

Transform your zucchini into a delectable sautéed dish. Heat 4 tablespoons (59 mL) of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat on your stove. Once the oil is hot, add the zucchini rounds and sauté until tender. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Turn off the stove and incorporate your preferred seasoning sauce. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other desired dry seasonings. Taste your zucchini and adjust the seasoning as necessary according to your taste.