Honey-Garlic Butter Zucchini

Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. 2Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  3. 3Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. 4Slice the zucchini lengthwise and score the tops.
  5. 5Slice the zucchini lengthwise and score the tops.
  6. 6Slice the zucchini lengthwise and score the tops.
  7. 7Place the zucchini on a plate and salt the tops generously, then let them sit for 10 minutes.
  8. 8Place the zucchini on a plate and salt the tops generously, then let them sit for 10 minutes.
  9. 9Place the zucchini on a plate and salt the tops generously, then let them sit for 10 minutes.
  10. 10While the zucchini sits, prepare the honey-garlic butter by adding softened butter, olive oil, honey, salt, parsley, minced garlic, and pepper to a small bowl.
  11. 11While the zucchini sits, prepare the honey-garlic butter by adding softened butter, olive oil, honey, salt, parsley, minced garlic, and pepper to a small bowl.
  12. 12While the zucchini sits, prepare the honey-garlic butter by adding softened butter, olive oil, honey, salt, parsley, minced garlic, and pepper to a small bowl.
  13. 13Mix the ingredients together to form a paste and set aside.
  14. 14Mix the ingredients together to form a paste and set aside.
  15. 15Mix the ingredients together to form a paste and set aside.
  16. 16Use a paper towel to remove moisture from the tops of the zucchini.
  17. 17Use a paper towel to remove moisture from the tops of the zucchini.
  18. 18Use a paper towel to remove moisture from the tops of the zucchini.
  19. 19Heat a cast iron pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil.
  20. 20Heat a cast iron pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil.
  21. 21Heat a cast iron pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil.
  22. 22Place the zucchini face down in the hot pan.
  23. 23Place the zucchini face down in the hot pan.
  24. 24Place the zucchini face down in the hot pan.
  25. 25Place a heavy pan on top to press the zucchini down and sear for 2 minutes, until the tops are browned.
  26. 26Place a heavy pan on top to press the zucchini down and sear for 2 minutes, until the tops are browned.
  27. 27Place a heavy pan on top to press the zucchini down and sear for 2 minutes, until the tops are browned.
  28. 28Flip the zucchini over and place in the oven for 10 minutes.
  29. 29Flip the zucchini over and place in the oven for 10 minutes.
  30. 30Flip the zucchini over and place in the oven for 10 minutes.
  31. 31Remove the zucchini from the oven.
  32. 32Remove the zucchini from the oven.
  33. 33Remove the zucchini from the oven.
  34. 34Place a spoonful of the honey-garlic butter over each zucchini and spread it over the tops.
  35. 35Place a spoonful of the honey-garlic butter over each zucchini and spread it over the tops.
  36. 36Place a spoonful of the honey-garlic butter over each zucchini and spread it over the tops.
  37. 37Place them back in the oven for 10-12 more minutes, until tender.
  38. 38Place them back in the oven for 10-12 more minutes, until tender.
  39. 39Place them back in the oven for 10-12 more minutes, until tender.
  40. 40Plate the zucchini.
  41. 41Plate the zucchini.
  42. 42Plate the zucchini.
  43. 43Top with arugula, pine nuts, and goat cheese.
  44. 44Top with arugula, pine nuts, and goat cheese.
  45. 45Top with arugula, pine nuts, and goat cheese.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 4 medium zucchini
  • salt
  • salt
  • salt
  • olive oil
  • olive oil
  • olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp parsley
  • 2 tbsp parsley
  • 2 tbsp parsley
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • pepper
  • pepper
  • pepper
  • 0.25 cup chopped arugula
  • 0.25 cup chopped arugula
  • 0.25 cup chopped arugula
  • 3 tbsp crumbled goat cheese
  • 3 tbsp crumbled goat cheese
  • 3 tbsp crumbled goat cheese
  • 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
  • 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts

Equipment

knifeplatesmall bowlspoonpaper towelcast iron panheavy skilletheavy pan

Tips

  • For more browned tops, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
  • Do not rinse the zucchini after salting to remove moisture; simply pat dry with a paper towel.
  • Press zucchini with a heavy pan during searing to achieve a nice crisp crust on the scored side.
  • Use softened butter for the honey-garlic butter mixture to ensure it combines well into a paste.
  • Score the zucchini tops to allow the butter to penetrate and flavor the zucchini more effectively.
  • Salt the zucchini generously and let sit to draw out excess moisture, which helps in crisping the zucchini during searing.
  • Spread the honey-garlic butter evenly over each zucchini half after the initial baking to ensure full flavor coverage.
  • The honey-garlic butter zucchini is best served immediately after roasting to enjoy its warm, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • The combination of salty, garlicky, and sweet in the butter creates a balanced flavor profile for the zucchini.
  • Adding greens, goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts provides additional texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the dish.
  • This recipe makes an epic side dish that is both healthy and flavorful, perfect for summer meals.
  • The recipe is gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Cooking zucchini with this method creates a "melt-in-your-mouth" texture, enhancing the overall eating experience.
  • The scoring technique on the zucchini allows for better absorption of flavors and a more even cook.
  • Utilizing a heavy pan for searing helps achieve a perfectly crisp and browned exterior on the zucchini.
  • The oven roasting after searing ensures the zucchini becomes tender throughout.
  • The dish is versatile and can complement various main courses, serving as a delicious and easy-to-prepare vegetable side.
  • The ingredients are readily available, making this a convenient recipe to prepare for a quick meal or gathering.
  • The visual appeal of the scored and browned zucchini, topped with fresh greens and cheese, makes it an attractive dish to serve.
  • This recipe encourages cooking from scratch, promoting healthier eating habits.