Grilled Zucchini with Spicy Asian Sauce
Smoky, tender grilled zucchini slices are elevated with a bold, zesty Asian-style sauce featuring soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat. This easy side dish is the perfect fusion of healthy and flavorful—ideal for summer grilling or quick weeknight meals.
Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Zucchini:
3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into ½-inch thick planks
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Spicy Asian Sauce:
2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
1 green onion, finely chopped
Instructions
Prep the Zucchini:
Brush zucchini planks with olive oil and season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, Sriracha, garlic, and ginger. Set aside.
Grill the Zucchini:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill zucchini for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until charred and tender.
Toss or Drizzle:
Transfer grilled zucchini to a plate or bowl.
Either drizzle with the sauce or toss gently to coat evenly.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Best Results
Uniform Slicing:
Slice zucchini evenly (about ½-inch thick) to ensure even grilling and prevent sogginess.
Preheat the Grill Well:
A hot grill ensures nice grill marks and a caramelized, smoky flavor.
Don’t Overcook:
Zucchini cooks quickly! Grill just until tender but still firm—overcooking can make it mushy.
Pat Dry Before Grilling:
If your zucchini is wet, it will steam instead of sear. Pat dry before brushing with oil.
Use a Grill Basket (Optional):
If slicing into rounds or smaller pieces, a grill basket helps prevent them from falling through the grates.
Variations to Try
Spicy Miso Glaze:
Add 1 tsp white or yellow miso paste to the sauce for extra umami and richness.
Peanut or Almond Sauce Twist:
Mix 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter into the sauce for a creamy, nutty depth.
Sweet & Spicy:
Add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice for a citrusy, sweet balance to the heat.
Other Vegetables:
Use the same sauce with grilled eggplant, mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Tofu or Tempeh Add-On:
Grill tofu or tempeh alongside the zucchini and toss in the same sauce for a heartier dish.
Serve with Rice or Noodles:
Turn it into a light meal by serving over jasmine rice, soba noodles, or rice noodles.
Top with Crushed Peanuts or Cashews:
Adds crunch and a nutty bite that pairs beautifully with the Asian flavors.
Q&A
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can grill the zucchini ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, drizzle the spicy Asian sauce on top or warm the zucchini slightly before serving.
Q2: How can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the spice, cut back on the Sriracha or chili garlic sauce and use a milder chili paste or omit it entirely. You can also add a bit more honey to balance the heat.
Q3: Can I use other types of squash?
Absolutely! Yellow squash, pattypan squash, or even summer squash can be substituted for zucchini in this recipe. The cooking time may vary slightly based on thickness.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will soak into the zucchini over time, but you can still enjoy it as a salad or cold dish.
Q5: Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian and can be made vegan by using a plant-based sweetener (such as maple syrup) and ensuring the soy sauce is vegan-friendly.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 90 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Potassium: 400mg
Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin C: 35% of the DV
Calcium: 4% of the DV
Iron: 4% of the DV
Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on exact portion sizes and ingredient brands used.
Conclusion
Grilled Zucchini with Spicy Asian Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the freshness of zucchini with a bold, spicy, and umami-rich sauce. Perfect for grilling season, this dish is quick to prepare, healthy, and adaptable to suit various dietary preferences. Whether as a side dish or a light main, it’s sure to please a variety of palates. Plus, with tips and variations to customize, you can keep it exciting every time you make it!
Enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors with every bite!