These Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a delightful combination of tender zucchini, rich garlic flavor, and a crispy, cheesy topping. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini
- Kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 oz. mozzarella, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 oz. Parmesan, finely shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, torn
Directions:
- Prep the Zucchini:
- Using a sharp knife, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise to yield 4 “steaks.”
- Score the flesh side of each steak 1/4 inch deep diagonally at 1/2 inch intervals.
- Rotate steaks 90° and score diagonally again to create a crosshatch pattern.
- Season the scored sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and let them sit to release moisture for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare Garlic Oil:
- Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the garlic, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stirring until the garlic is fragrant (1 to 2 minutes).
- Scrape the garlic oil into a small bowl and set aside.
- Cook the Zucchini:
- In the same skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Pat the zucchini dry.
- Arrange 2 halves flesh side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown on the bottom (2 to 3 minutes).
- Transfer to a baking sheet, flesh side up.
- Repeat with the remaining zucchini and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Bake and Broil:
- Brush the zucchini steaks with garlic oil.
- Bake the zucchini in the oven until tender in the center (8 to 10 minutes).
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Heat the broiler on high and broil, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and browned (2 to 3 minutes).
- Finish and Serve:
- Transfer the zucchini to a platter.
- Top with torn fresh basil and more red pepper flakes to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- Scoring the Zucchini: Scoring the zucchini helps it cook evenly and allows the seasoning to penetrate better.
- Moisture Release: Letting the zucchini sit with salt helps draw out excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a good sear.
- Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on the zucchini when broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair these zucchini steaks with a grilled protein like chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
- Serve as a vegetarian main dish with a side of quinoa or a fresh salad.
- Enjoy as a delicious side dish at a barbecue or picnic.
These Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer with a delightful twist. Enjoy!
Recipe Card
Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks
These Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks are a delightful combination of tender zucchini, rich garlic flavor, and a crispy, cheesy topping. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- – **2 medium zucchini**
- – **Kosher salt**
- – **4 cloves garlic** finely chopped or grated
- – **1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes** plus more for serving
- – **4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil** divided
- – **2 oz. mozzarella** shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- – **1 oz. Parmesan** finely shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- – **2 Tbsp. fresh basil** torn
Instructions
Prep the Zucchini:
- – Using a sharp knife, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise to yield 4 “steaks.”
- – Score the flesh side of each steak 1/4 inch deep diagonally at 1/2 inch intervals.
- – Rotate steaks 90° and score diagonally again to create a crosshatch pattern.
- – Season the scored sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and let them sit to release moisture for about 15 minutes.
Prepare Garlic Oil:
- – Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C).
- – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the garlic, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stirring until the garlic is fragrant (1 to 2 minutes).
- – Scrape the garlic oil into a small bowl and set aside.
Cook the Zucchini:
- – In the same skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- – Pat the zucchini dry.
- – Arrange 2 halves flesh side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown on the bottom (2 to 3 minutes).
- – Transfer to a baking sheet, flesh side up.
- – Repeat with the remaining zucchini and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Bake and Broil:
- – Brush the zucchini steaks with garlic oil.
- – Bake the zucchini in the oven until tender in the center (8 to 10 minutes).
- – Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
- – Heat the broiler on high and broil, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and browned (2 to 3 minutes).
Finish and Serve:
- – Transfer the zucchini to a platter.
- – Top with torn fresh basil and more red pepper flakes to taste.
- – Serve immediately and enjoy!