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Quick Garlic Butter Crispy Sautéed Zucchini

Close-up of golden brown, seasoned sauteed zucchini slices piled high in a white bowl.

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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Cook for crispness: Cook the zucchini undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown and slightly crispy.
  5. Flip and season: Flip the zucchini pieces. Immediately add the minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the pan. Toss everything together quickly.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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