You need this fast side dish. Learn the simple technique to sauté zucchini until the edges are crispy, not mushy. This 10-minute recipe uses garlic and butter for big flavor.
Author:rosasterling
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:10 min
Total Time:15 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Sautéing
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the zucchini: Slice the zucchini into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds. Pat the slices very dry using paper towels. This step is key to achieving crispy edges.
Heat the fat: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Wait until the butter melts and begins to foam slightly.
Sauté the zucchini: Add the dried zucchini slices to the hot skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Cook for crispness: Cook the zucchini undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Flip and season: Flip the zucchini pieces. Immediately add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan. Toss everything together quickly.
Finish cooking: Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is browned and the garlic is fragrant. Do not overcook; you want tender centers.
Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, if using. Serve immediately as a healthy weeknight vegetable side.
Notes
For a low-carb vegetable recipe, skip adding any flour or breading.
If you want zucchini and onion saute, add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced onion before the zucchini and cook until softened, about 4 minutes, before adding the zucchini.
To make this a vegan sauteed zucchini recipe, replace the butter with an equal amount of vegan butter or use only olive oil.