Zucchini Ribbon Skewers with Spicy Lemon Butter Recipe
Zucchini Ribbon Skewers with Spicy Lemon Butter is a fresh and vibrant grilled vegetable dish featuring thinly sliced zucchini and summer squash ribbons, skewered and brushed with a flavorful lemon garlic butter infused with fresh herbs and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this recipe combines smokiness from the grill with zesty and spicy buttery goodness.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 skewers 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Zucchini & Squash
- 2 medium zucchini squash
- 2 medium summer squash
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley and basil)
Lemon Garlic Butter
- 6 ounces unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Prepare the Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or if using a grill pan, spray or brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Create Zucchini Ribbons: Stand each zucchini and summer squash upright on their base. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, carefully slice thin ribbons from the top down. Lay the ribbons flat on a baking sheet or cutting board in a single layer to prepare for skewering.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, combine unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Heat gently over low heat until the mixture bubbles and the flavors meld, then remove from heat and keep warm.
- Skewer the Ribbons: Brush one side of each zucchini ribbon with the lemon garlic butter. Fold each slice back and forth accordion-style, carefully threading them through the center with skewers. Aim for 8 to 10 thin slices per skewer, keeping them close together for even grilling.
- Brush and Grill: Once all skewers are assembled, brush them again generously with the lemon garlic butter. Place the skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side. Rotate the skewers, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, then rotate one final time and grill for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until tender and slightly charred.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and brush with any remaining lemon garlic butter. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the top. Serve directly on the skewers or slide the zucchini ribbons off onto plates as a deliciously seasoned side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline for thin, even ribbons; thicker slices may break when skewering.
- The number of skewers made depends on the thickness of the ribbons; typically 4 medium zucchinis make 6 to 8 skewers.
- Leftover lemon garlic butter can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently for future use.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley and basil enhance flavor but can be substituted with other herbs like cilantro or thyme.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: zucchini skewers, grilled vegetables, lemon garlic butter, summer squash recipe, healthy side dish, vegetarian grilling recipe