As children, many of us probably turned our noses up at peculiar vegetables like zucchinis. But with healthy foods making a comeback, the zucchini has become a popular choice – both in the produce section and in home gardens.

There are many ways to prepare this summer squash, but one of the quickest and easiest ways to make it is a simple sauteed dish. This sauteed zucchini recipe is simple yet delicious; count on it becoming a staple in your kitchen.

What is Sauteed Zucchini?

Sauteing is a prevalent cooking method that involves cooking food on the stovetop in a frying pan. Typically, someone would use a type of fat heated in the pan, which keeps the food from sticking. You can choose the fat of your choice, from butter to olive oil, among other options.

Sauteing is similar to frying, but it uses far less fat. When you fry food, you use enough fat in a pan to submerge the food entirely. Sauteing only requires a small amount of fat in the pan. 

Sauteed zucchini is zucchini that has been sliced and cooked in fat on high heat. Not only does this make the zucchini soft on the inside, but the proper technique can also give it a crisp outside for the perfect texture.

About ingredients

Zucchini is an easy vegetable to saute because it only takes a few ingredients – and you likely already have them in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:

• Olive oil: this popular fat option comes with several proven health benefits. Many people prefer olive oil over other fats like butter or canola oil, though you can substitute this for another fat if you choose. 
• Salt and pepper: salt and pepper are kitchen staples that almost every recipe calls for. Salt works to bring out the natural flavor in foods, while pepper adds just a hint of spiciness. 
• Garlic powder: who doesn’t love the taste of garlic? This spice is an easy way to add a burst of flavor to your zucchini.
• Parmesan cheese: for a little extra flare in your dish, try adding some sprinkles of Parmesan cheese.

Easy Sauteed Zucchini with Parmesan

Sauteing is a prevalent cooking method that involves cooking food on the stovetop in a frying pan. Typically, someone would use a type of fat heated in the pan, which keeps the food from sticking. You can choose the fat of your choice, from butter to olive oil, among other options.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 35 mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6 servings

Calories 121 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 Tbsp Olive oil
• ½ teaspoons Salt
• ¼ teaspoons Pepper
• ¼ teaspoons Garlic powder
• ¼ cups Parmesan cheese
• 2 pounds Zucchini

Instructions

 

• Gather and measure your ingredients.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and top with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss or stir well to combine.
• Cook the zucchini for 5 to 10 minutes, tossing it occasionally to ensure all the slices are cooked evenly.
• Taste for flavor and adjust seasonings as necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or garlic.
• Once the taste is to your liking and the zucchini slices are crisp-tender, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Let it cook for another 30 seconds or until the cheese starts to melt.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and serve immediately for the best results.

Keyword sautéed zucchini, zucchini, zucchini recipes

Tips & Tricks for Sauteed Zucchini with Parmesan

Zucchini isn’t hard to cook, but using a few tips and tricks can help you make the most of this delicious vegetable.

Use Small Zucchini

It’s always tempting to reach for the largest zucchini on the shelf. After all, a larger zucchini can feed more people. However, smaller zucchinis are often more tender and pack more flavor. Grab smaller vegetables for a flavorful dish.

Slice Evenly

The best way to ensure your zucchini cooks evenly in the skillet is to slice it evenly. Try to make sure every slice is about the same thickness so that they all cook the same way. Otherwise, you may end up with some undercooked pieces and others that get burnt. 

A good width to slice your zucchini is about one-quarter of an inch. 

Try Fresh Garlic

Garlic powder is a highly convenient spice because it gives you all the flavor of garlic but with a much longer shelf life. It works well in any recipe and can replace fresh garlic in a pinch.

However, some people prefer the bold flavor of fresh garlic. It takes a little more work to peel, crush, and chop fresh garlic, but the reward is great. Plus, you get more nutritional value that way. 

To substitute fresh garlic in this recipe, add one minced clove in the last few minutes of cooking. 

Add Some Spice

Some people prefer their vegetables with a little kick to them. If that sounds good to you, you can spice up your sauteed zucchini with a few shakes of red chili flakes. Red chili flakes go well with all kinds of veggies, zucchini included. 

When it comes to adding a spicy flavor, it’s always best to start with just a little bit and add more if you need to. 

Saute with Onions

If you like a lot of flavor in their recipes, you might like this dish with some onions. You can use any kind of onion, but sweet onions pair well with mild zucchini flavors. 

Add a small, thinly sliced onion to your dish shortly after you toss in the zucchini for a new level of flavor. 

Nutrition Information of Sauteed Zucchini with Parmesan

This recipe makes enough for four servings of sauteed zucchini. Here is some additional nutrition information per serving: 

• Calories: 121
• Total Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 434mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin C: 29mg
• Calcium: 96mg
• Iron: 1mg
• Potassium 616mg

For a low-sodium version, leave the salt out and use less Parmesan cheese. Zucchini is an excellent source of vitamins C and A and is packed with antioxidants. 

Final Thoughts

Zucchini is a part of the summer squash family, which technically makes it a fruit even though we tend to group it with vegetables. Nonetheless, it makes a healthy and delicious addition to any summer dish that needs a little green. 

You can eat zucchini fresh or grate it for some yummy baked goods, but this sauteed zucchini recipe is sure to make your list of regular sides. Give it a shot and see what your taste buds think!