Sautéed Zucchini
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The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving) | |
---|---|
121 | Calories |
9g | Fat |
7g | Carbs |
5g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 4 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 121 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 9g | 12% |
Saturated Fat 2g | 10% |
Cholesterol 4mg | 1% |
Sodium 692mg | 30% |
Total Carbohydrate 7g | 3% |
Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% |
Protein 5g | |
Calcium 98mg | 8% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
Sautéed zucchini is a perfect example of how simply-prepared food can be so tasty. Sliced and prepared quickly and easily in a skillet on the stovetop, this recipe is a no-brainer any night of the week.
As any gardener will tell you, zucchini comes from a prolific summertime plant. It's from the summer squash family along with yellow varieties like crookneck. When shopping for the green veggie, look for brightly colored, unblemished, and firm zucchini. Store in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for up to a few days and use it before the zucchini becomes wrinkly.
As with all zucchini recipes, sautéed zucchini tastes best when fresh zucchini is in season. If you have a glut of summer squash, make this side dish to serve alongside chicken, fish, beef, or a vegetarian main. It's easy to put your own spin on this recipe by adding other veggies, spices or herbs, and more. Don't skimp on the salt since it helps bring out zucchini's delicate flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds zucchini (sliced into rounds, about 1/4-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Add the sliced zucchini, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Cook, tossing the zucchini occasionally until it is crisp-tender. Taste and adjust the seasonings (add more salt and pepper, if necessary).
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Cook another 30 seconds or so, just until cheese melts. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
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Enjoy!
Tips
- Smaller zucchini tends to be more tender and flavorful, but any size will work for this recipe as long as you slice them evenly.
- Use sautéed zucchini in an omelet, quiche, or frittata or toss into a pasta dish.
Recipe Variations
- This recipe will also work with yellow summer squash or a mixture of zucchini and squash.
- Add diced or thin-sliced onion to this recipe for more sweet flavor. Start by sautéing the onion for a minute before adding the zucchini.
- Replace the garlic powder with real garlic. Add minced garlic during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme leaves while cooking, or finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Add a small knob of butter toward the end of cooking for extra richness.
- Leave out the cheese if you're vegan. Serve as-is or swap for a sprinkle of vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Replace the parmesan cheese with a hearty sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese for a creamier dish and a different flavor.
- Combine with other summer veggies like ripe, large-diced tomatoes for a summertime sauté.
- Top with crispy, crumbled bacon.