Zucchini Ribbon Skewers with Spicy Lemon Butter Recipe
Zucchini Ribbon Skewers with Spicy Lemon Butter are a vibrant and flavorful appetizer or side dish featuring tender zucchini and summer squash ribbons grilled on skewers and brushed with a zesty, garlic-infused lemon butter with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. This light and fresh recipe is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a healthy addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini squash
- 2 medium summer squash
Herbs
- 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 and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the zucchini and summer squash thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice each squash lengthwise into thin ribbons, being careful to keep them as long as possible for easy threading onto skewers.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter gently. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in fresh lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the zucchini and summer squash ribbons alternately onto wooden or metal skewers, folding the ribbons to fit and create a layered effect. Sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs evenly over the skewers or mix them into the butter sauce for brushing.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the zucchini ribbon skewers for about 2-3 minutes per side or until nicely charred and tender, turning carefully to avoid tearing the ribbons.
- Brush with Spicy Lemon Butter: While grilling, generously brush the skewers with the lemon garlic butter. After removing the skewers from the grill, brush one more time with the reserved butter sauce for extra flavor.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled zucchini ribbon skewers on a serving platter and garnish with any remaining fresh herbs. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
- For easier handling, use metal skewers if available.
- These skewers are best served immediately but can be kept warm in a low oven for up to 15 minutes.
- Optional: Sprinkle additional fresh lemon juice over the finished skewers for extra brightness.
