Best Techniques for Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini can be a versatile vegetable to use in any meal. It can be chopped and served as a side dish, or filleted and served as a main dish. However, it tends to be a temperamental vegetable as well. Grill it the wrong way, and you can end up with a flavorless stick.

Best Preparation
Before you start your grilling, you need to prepare the zucchini. Wash the vegetable well, gently scrubbing off any dirt clumps. Pat dry with a towel. Try not to mar the zucchini skin during washing. The skin is important for grilling, since it helps keep some of the moisture and flavor in the vegetable.

The easiest way to grill zucchini is simply to slice the vegetable in half lengthwise or into quarter spears. Then you can place the slices on the grill, skin side up, to cook. For a leaner cut, slice the zucchini lengthwise into strips ½-inch thick. If you want small chunks, dice the zucchini, and place it in a foil packet or grill basket to cook.

Best Grilling
Zucchini should be grilled over medium to high heat. Lower temperatures will just rob the vegetable of moisture and flavor. Place the zucchini directly over the heat, and cook for a short period of time, flipping once.

For zucchini halves or spears, you want to cook them for two to three minutes on each side. For thin-sliced zucchini you should cook for only about 45 seconds on each side. Cook zucchini packets or baskets for about three to five minutes, depending on what you're using them for.

Best Grilling Tips

• Zucchini is mostly water, so it's important to use something to help seal the water and flavor in. If you're grilling the zucchini in a foil packet, you don't have to worry as much. But if you're grilling the zucchini directly on the grill, you'll want to use a light coat of oil or butter to add and seal flavor.
• Use oil-based salad dressing on your zucchini as a quick way to add seasonings. Just a light brushing of Italian or raspberry vinaigrette salad dressing adds zest to the zucchini while sealing in its natural flavor.
• Always place zucchini perpendicular to the grills if you're cooking the vegetable without a packet or basket. This helps keep the pieces from falling through the grill and into the fire.