Delightful Sautéed Zucchini: Quick & Easy Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
This sautéed zucchini recipe is vibrant, flavorful, and anything but boring. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s the perfect side dish or vegetarian main that even picky eaters will love.
Equipment
- large non-stick or cast iron skillet for even browning
- Knife and cutting board to prep the zucchini
- Spatula or tongs to flip the zucchini
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Wash and slice zucchini into uniform ½-inch rounds for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, not browned.
- Place zucchini slices in the skillet in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly browned, flipping halfway. Add red pepper flakes if using.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately as a side or vegetarian main.
Notes
Add a splash of white wine after the garlic step for a more complex flavor, or toss in Parmesan for a cheesy twist. This also pairs great with grilled chicken or works as a topping for pizza and tacos.