Are you looking for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer? Look no further than steamed zucchini! This versatile vegetable can be paired with a wide variety of flavors to create dishes that are both nutritious and tantalizing. In this article, we’ll explore 18 flavorful steamed zucchini recipes that will take you on a culinary journey from classic Mediterranean to spicy Cajun.
From simple garlic butter preparations to more complex combinations featuring Asian sesame and Cajun spices, there’s something for everyone in this collection of mouthwatering recipes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a impressive side dish for a special occasion, these steamed zucchini recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.
In the following pages, we’ll delve into each of these 18 recipes and provide step-by-step instructions on how to prepare them. So grab your zucchinis, get cooking, and discover the endless possibilities for this humble vegetable!
Garlic Butter Steamed Zucchini
Add a burst of flavor to your zucchini with this simple and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and place a steamer basket over the boiling water.
3. Add the zucchini slices to the steamer basket in a single layer.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and minced garlic.
5. Place the garlic butter mixture evenly among the zucchini slices.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Lemon Herb Steamed Zucchini
Lemon Herb Steamed Zucchini Recipe
This refreshing summer recipe combines the flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs to create a light and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot with a steamer basket, bring 2-3 inches of water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the sliced zucchini. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 4-5 minutes or until tender.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped rosemary.
- Remove the zucchini from the steamer and brush the garlic-lemon mixture evenly over both sides of the zucchini slices.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Chili Steamed Zucchini
Elevate your zucchini game with this flavorful and spicy twist! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of zucchini with a kick of chili pepper heat, all in a quick and easy steaming process.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon shredded cheddar cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pot with 2-3 inches of water and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and place a steamer basket over the boiling water.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, chopped onion, garlic, and chili flakes.
4. Place zucchinis in the steamer basket and brush with the spicy mixture.
5. Cover the pot and steam for 8-10 minutes or until zucchinis are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Parmesan Steamed Zucchini Slices
A simple yet flavorful side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of zucchini, elevated by the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket over boiling water.
2. Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
3. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush both sides of the zucchini slices with the Parmesan mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Place the coated zucchini slices in the steamer basket.
6. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Asian Sesame Steamed Zucchini
A flavorful and healthy twist on traditional steamed zucchini, this recipe infuses the vegetable with the nutty taste of sesame oil and the savory flavor of soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the zucchinis and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2. In a large steamer basket, place the zucchini slices in a single layer.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and grated ginger.
4. Pour the sesame mixture over the zucchini, making sure each slice is coated.
5. Steam the zucchini for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh green onions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Steamed Zucchini
This sweet and tangy recipe is a perfect summer side dish, showcasing the flavors of balsamic glaze on tender steamed zucchini.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a steamer basket in a large pot with 2 inches of water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze and olive oil.
3. Place the zucchini slices in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each slice.
4. Steam the zucchini for 6-8 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
5. Remove from heat and brush with the balsamic glaze mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Rosemary and Thyme Steamed Zucchini
Add a touch of elegance to your meal with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the freshness of zucchini with the aromatic herbs rosemary and thyme.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 sprig of fresh thyme, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of water
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket by filling a pot with about an inch of water.
2. Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds or sticks, depending on your desired presentation.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped rosemary and thyme.
4. Place the zucchini slices in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Sprinkle the herb mixture evenly over the zucchini.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Steam the zucchini for 8-10 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Zucchini with Feta and Mint
A refreshing summer side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of zucchini, complemented by tangy feta cheese and a hint of mint.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium zucchinis
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat steamer basket over boiling water.
2. Cut zucchinis into 1-inch slices.
3. Place zucchini slices in the steamer basket, leaving some space between each slice.
4. Steam for 8-10 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
5. In a small bowl, mix together feta cheese and chopped mint leaves.
6. Remove zucchinis from heat and top each slice with a spoonful of the feta-mint mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Garlic and Ginger Steamed Zucchini
This simple and flavorful recipe elevates the humble zucchini to new heights, perfect for a quick and healthy side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons water
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the zucchinis and trim both ends.
2. In a large steamer basket, place the zucchinis in a single layer.
3. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic and grated ginger.
4. Place the garlic-ginger mixture over the zucchinis in the steamer basket.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the steamer.
6. Steam the zucchinis for 8-10 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Zucchini with Lemon Zest
A refreshing summer side dish that highlights the natural sweetness of zucchini, enhanced by a burst of citrus flavor from lemon zest.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 tsp grated lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket over boiling water.
2. Cut the zucchinis into 1-inch slices, removing any seeds or pulp.
3. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini slices and water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the zucchinis to soften slightly.
4. Add the butter, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss gently to distribute the flavors evenly.
5. Steam the zucchinis for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re tender but still crisp.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Zucchini and Tomato Medley
This recipe showcases the sweet flavors of summer zucchini and tomatoes, steamed to perfection for a light and refreshing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 large tomato, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a large steamer basket with the sliced zucchini.
2. In a pot, bring 2 inches of water to a boil.
3. Place the steamer basket over the boiling water, making sure not to let the zucchini touch the water.
4. Cover the pot and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender but still crisp.
5. Add the diced tomato to the steamer basket and continue to steam for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Cajun Spiced Steamed Zucchini
Add a burst of Cajun flavor to your zucchini with this simple and delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (such as Tony’s or Zatarain’s)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket with 2 inches of water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet; season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
4. Steam the zucchini in the prepared steamer basket for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Steamed Zucchini with Basil Pesto
This simple yet satisfying recipe combines the natural sweetness of zucchini with the bright, herby flavor of basil pesto. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite pasta or rice bowl.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the zucchinis under cold water, then slice off the ends.
2. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, leaving the skin on.
3. Place the zucchinis in a steamer basket over boiling water.
4. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 10-12 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove the zucchinis from the steamer and brush with basil pesto.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Honey Glazed Steamed Zucchini
Transform zucchinis into a sweet and tender side dish with this simple honey glazed recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your steamer basket with 2 cups of water.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and olive oil until well combined.
3. Place the zucchini slices in a single layer on a plate or tray.
4. Brush both sides of each zucchini slice with the honey glaze, making sure to coat them evenly.
5. Steam the zucchinis for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Season with salt to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley or thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Zucchini with Toasted Almonds
A simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and add zucchini slices in a single layer.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
4. In a small skillet, toast almonds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
5. Remove zucchini from the pot and transfer to a serving dish.
6. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle garlic, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Top with toasted almonds and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Zucchini and Mushroom Mix
A delicious and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and antioxidants from zucchini and mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large steamer basket, place the zucchini slices in a single layer.
2. Add the mushroom slices on top of the zucchini.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the mushrooms.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
5. If using garlic, add it on top of the mushrooms.
6. Steam for 8-10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Zucchini with Red Pepper Flakes
Elevate your vegetable side dish game with this simple and flavorful recipe for Steamed Zucchini with Red Pepper Flakes.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large steamer basket, combine the sliced zucchini.
2. In a separate pot, bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and place the steamer basket over the boiling water.
3. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the zucchini for 8-10 minutes or until tender.
4. Remove the zucchini from the steamer and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Steamed Zucchini with Dill Yogurt Sauce
A refreshing summer side dish that’s perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the zucchini slices.
2. Steam the zucchini for 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Once the zucchini is cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate.
5. Drizzle the yogurt-dill sauce over the warm zucchini and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get creative with zucchini! This versatile summer squash can be steamed to perfection and flavored with a wide range of herbs, spices, and condiments. From classic garlic butter to bold Cajun spiced, these 18 flavorful steamed zucchini recipes offer something for every taste bud. Try pairing with parmesan cheese, toasted almonds, or fresh mint for added crunch and flavor. With so many options, you’ll never get bored of this healthy eating staple again!
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