Try this unique recipe for cooking zucchini and your opinion of this summer staple will never be the same.
Zucchini doesn’t have to be boring! It’s one of the most versatile vegetables you can grow or cook with — its mild flavor soaks up spices, herbs, and sauces, transforming easily into savory or sweet dishes.
From crispy fritters, stuffed boats, and zesty stir-fries to moist zucchini bread and chocolate cake, this summer squash can be grilled, spiralized, baked, or sautéed in countless creative ways. With a little imagination (and a clever recipe), zucchini becomes anything but dull.
Tip: The recipe for pan-seared or grilled zucchini below is amazing as a side dish, piled on toast with ricotta, burrata, goat, brie, or other soft cheese, or tossed with grains for a spicy-sweet zucchini bowl. It also pairs perfectly with grilled meats, crusty bread, or a simple summer salad — sweet, smoky, and just a touch spicy.
Pan-Seared or Grilled Zucchini with Hot Honey
Ingredients
Instructions for Pan Searing
Prep the zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini. Pat dry for better searing.
Heat the pan: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear: Add zucchini in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
Add hot honey: Turn off the heat, drizzle hot honey over the zucchini, and toss gently to coat. If using regular honey, drizzle it on and sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Finish: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you’d like a bright note. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Instructions for Grilling
Preheat grill: Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates if needed.
Prepare zucchini: Brush zucchini slices on both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Grill: Place zucchini slices on the grill. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until you get nice grill marks and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Drizzle with hot honey: Transfer the grilled zucchini to a platter. While still warm, drizzle with hot honey (or regular honey + red pepper flakes).
Finish: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you’d like a bright kick. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if using.
From crispy fritters, stuffed boats, and zesty stir-fries to moist zucchini bread and chocolate cake, this summer squash can be grilled, spiralized, baked, or sautéed in countless creative ways. With a little imagination (and a clever recipe), zucchini becomes anything but dull.
Tip: The recipe for pan-seared or grilled zucchini below is amazing as a side dish, piled on toast with ricotta, burrata, goat, brie, or other soft cheese, or tossed with grains for a spicy-sweet zucchini bowl. It also pairs perfectly with grilled meats, crusty bread, or a simple summer salad — sweet, smoky, and just a touch spicy.
Pan-Seared or Grilled Zucchini with Hot Honey
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds or half-moons
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (or regular honey + a pinch of red pepper flakes)
- Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or mint)
Instructions for Pan Searing
Prep the zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini. Pat dry for better searing.
Heat the pan: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear: Add zucchini in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
Add hot honey: Turn off the heat, drizzle hot honey over the zucchini, and toss gently to coat. If using regular honey, drizzle it on and sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Finish: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you’d like a bright note. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Instructions for Grilling
Preheat grill: Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates if needed.
Prepare zucchini: Brush zucchini slices on both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Grill: Place zucchini slices on the grill. Cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until you get nice grill marks and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Drizzle with hot honey: Transfer the grilled zucchini to a platter. While still warm, drizzle with hot honey (or regular honey + red pepper flakes).
Finish: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you’d like a bright kick. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if using.