Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic Lemon and Fresh Herbs
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to cook zucchini that's actually delicious ? This sautéed zucchini recipe is the answer. It’s packed with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs.
Honestly, even fussy eaters will love this quick zucchini side dish !
Zucchini: More Than Just a Veggie
Zucchini, or courgette, originated in the Americas. It became popular in Europe, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. This Mediterranean zucchini recipe is a super easy zucchini dinner .
It is also a light healthy meal side .
It's so easy, even I can’t mess it up! Prep is about 10 minutes. Cooking is another 10. That makes 20 minutes total. This recipe makes 4 servings.
Why You'll Love This Zucchini
Zucchini is low in calories and high in vitamins. It’s a best keto side dish option. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or BBQ.
This garlic zucchini recipe is just special. The lemon herb zucchini flavour is so fresh. It's really one of the best way to make zucchini .
Okay, enough chat. Let's dive into the ingredients, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, mate! Ready to learn how to cook zucchini like a pro? It's easier than making toast, honestly. This sautéed zucchini recipe is gonna be your new favourite.
Forget boring veggies! Think Mediterranean zucchini recipe vibes. Ready to make some magic with my best friend? (that's you!)
Main Ingredients Breakdown
First, grab your weapon of choice: zucchini. We're aiming for 1.5 pounds (680g) of those green beauties. Small to medium ones are best .
Slice 'em into 1/4 inch (6mm) rounds. Why? Because even cooking, innit.
Next, olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Good quality stuff makes a difference, yeah? You'll taste it! You know?
Other bits include 3 cloves garlic , minced. Don't skimp! 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, if you want a kick).
And don’t forget zest of 1/2 lemon and 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice. Finally, 2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped fresh herbs.
Think parsley, basil, thyme or oregano!
Seasoning Power-Up
Garlic and lemon are the dream team. That zest brightens everything up! For herbs, fresh is always best , but dried will do.
Half the amount, mind. If you're missing anything, a dash of Italian seasoning works in a pinch. This truly is one of the Best Way To Make Zucchini .
Honestly, if you're on a keto diet, this works as Best Keto Side Dishes too.
Gear Up: Tools You'll Need
For equipment you'll need a large skillet (or frying pan). A cutting board and chef's knife are essential. And finally, a lemon zester is useful, but a grater will do.
No fancy gadgets needed here, just simple tools.
This quick zucchini side dish proves zucchini lunch recipes can be healthy and delicious. Enjoy your amazing garlic zucchini recipe with that lemon herb zucchini flavour! Get excited to dish up one of the most delicious easy zucchini dinner ideas you'll ever come across.
It's a healthy meal side that's easy to whip up.
How to Cook Zucchini: The Easiest Way to a Tasty Side
Fancy a quick zucchini side dish that's both healthy and delicious? Honestly, I love zucchini! It's so versatile. I used to think it was boring.
But this garlic zucchini recipe changed my mind. This sautéed zucchini recipe is a winner, even the little 'uns will gobble it up.
It's a fantastic way to add Healthy Meal Sides to your dinner.
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together
First, mise en place is key. Get all your ingredients ready. Wash 1.5 pounds of zucchini and slice them into 1/4 inch rounds.
Mince 3 cloves of garlic. Zest and juice half a lemon. Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs. Parsley, basil, and thyme are great.
Remember, a little organisation saves time.
Sauté to Perfection: step-by-step
Ready to cook? Let's do this!
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick). Cook for about 30 seconds , until fragrant. Watch it! Burnt garlic is not your friend.
- Add the zucchini rounds to the skillet.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5- 7 minutes , until tender crisp and lightly browned.
- Stir in the lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately. Sorted!
Pro Tips for the Best Zucchini Ever
Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook the zucchini in batches if you need to. High heat, quick cook. That's the secret.
Otherwise, you'll end up with soggy zucchini. And nobody wants that. For the best flavor, use fresh herbs. Dried herbs work too, but use half the amount.
This Mediterranean zucchini recipe is fantastic with a sprinkle of feta cheese. Oh my gosh , it's so good! If you fancy something different you can use a plant based butter substitute or increase the olive oil for a completely vegan dish.
If you are using this as one of the Best Keto Side Dishes feel free to sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top for added taste.
This is a great Zucchini Lunch Recipes option. Enjoy this easy zucchini dinner !
Recipe Notes: Getting the Most From Your Zucchini
Right, you've got the recipe for this garlic zucchini recipe , now let's nail it. Think of this section as your cheat sheet, the bits of advice that take you from "yeah, I cooked zucchini" to "blimey, that was amazing!".
Honestly, how to cook zucchini doesn't need to be a daunting task!
Serving Suggestions: Make It Look Pretty (and Taste Even Better!)
Want to make your sautéed zucchini recipe Instagram worthy? First, don't be afraid to pile it high on the plate! A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving is always a winner.
Oh my gosh, and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts gives it a fancy, restaurant feel.
For healthy meal sides , this goes brilliantly with grilled chicken or some lovely roasted Mediterranean veg. A crisp glass of white wine on the side never hurt anyone, either.
Presentation wise, I like to arrange the lemon herb zucchini on a platter, scattered with a few extra fresh herb sprigs.
Simple but effective!
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh
If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, but just in case!), pop the sautéed zucchini recipe in an airtight container and into the fridge.
It’ll happily keep for 2-3 days . To reheat, a quick whizz in a pan is best. If you want, you can microwave it as well.
It might lose a little of its crispness, but will taste incredible.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this one, as the zucchini can get a bit watery. Best enjoyed fresh, this quick zucchini side dish is so easy to whip up you'll never have leftovers!
Variations: Mix It Up a Bit
Fancy a bit of a twist? For a best keto side dish version, feel free to add a grating of Parmesan cheese.
Also, you can substitute the lemon juice with a teaspoon of lime juice. This adds a tangy, cheesy kick to the zucchini.
If you're going vegan, just skip the cheese!
If you want to change the flavour, feel free to add chilli flakes. If you're after a seasonal twist, in autumn you can add some chopped roasted butternut squash for a real autumnal flavour.
It is also a great addition to zucchini lunch recipes !
Nutrition Basics: Good For You and Delicious Too!
Zucchini is a bit of a nutritional powerhouse. It's low in calories but packed with vitamins and minerals. It's particularly good for hydration, as it's mostly water.
This Mediterranean zucchini recipe is also a good source of fiber, which is great for your digestion. The lemon and herbs add a dose of antioxidants.
Basically, you're doing yourself a favour by eating this. This easy zucchini dinner is nutritious and super yummy.
Honestly, give this recipe a go. It's easy, quick, and a great way to use up those zucchinis. With a bit of practice, you’ll be cooking like a pro in no time.
What is the best way to make zucchini ? With love, of course! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my sautéed zucchini from going soggy? No one wants a mushy courgette!
The key to perfectly sautéed zucchini is high heat and not overcrowding the pan. Cook the zucchini in batches if needed, ensuring each piece has room to brown and doesn't steam.
A hot pan and quick cooking time will give you that lovely tender crisp texture we're after, rather than a soggy mess, more like a good chip instead of a potato soup.
Can I use different herbs in this sautéed zucchini recipe? I'm a bit of a Jamie Oliver in the garden, you see.
Absolutely! Fresh herbs are fantastic for this dish, so feel free to experiment. Parsley, basil, thyme, oregano, and even a bit of mint work beautifully. If using dried herbs, remember to use about half the amount, as their flavor is more concentrated.
This dish is very flexible so feel free to try out your favourite herbs
Is there a way to spice things up a bit? I fancy a bit of a Nando's kick to my zucchini!
Certainly! A pinch of red pepper flakes added when you sauté the garlic will give your zucchini a lovely warmth. You could also add a dash of your favourite hot sauce after cooking. For an extra layer of flavour, consider using a chili infused olive oil for sautéing.
How to cook zucchini and then store any leftovers? Can I prep this ahead of time?
Sautéed zucchini is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the texture might soften slightly upon reheating. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
To prep ahead, you can slice the zucchini and mince the garlic, but wait to cook until just before serving for the best results.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier, what are the nutritional benefits of zucchini? Is it worth adding to the menu?
Zucchini is a great choice for a healthy diet! It's low in calories and carbohydrates, but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It's a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and potassium. Plus, it's mostly water, so it's hydrating too - a real win-win situation!
How to cook zucchini if I don't have lemon? Can I use something else in a pinch?
If you're fresh out of lemons, don't fret! A teaspoon of white wine vinegar can provide a similar tang. You could also try a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar. The goal is to add a bit of acidity to brighten the flavors of the dish, so use what you have on hand!
Sauteed Zucchini With Garlic Lemon And Fresh Her
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 2g |