Description
Succulent zucchini steaks with melted cheese create a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dish. Herb-infused and grilled to perfection, these vegetable delights will satisfy anyone seeking a delicious plant-based centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
Cheese:
- 2 ounces (56 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 ounce (28 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely shredded (about 1/2 cup)
Aromatics & Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
- Kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn
Instructions
- Slice zucchini lengthwise into four equal steaks, creating a crosshatch pattern on the flesh side. Sprinkle with salt and allow moisture to release for 15 minutes.
- Create aromatic garlic oil by gently heating garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil in a skillet until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes. Remove mixture and set aside in a small bowl.
- Thoroughly pat zucchini steaks dry with paper towels to ensure crisp searing. Heat skillet with olive oil and cook zucchini flesh-side down until golden brown, roughly 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Transfer seared zucchini to a baking sheet and generously brush with prepared garlic oil. Roast in a preheated 425°F oven until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the zucchini steaks, then activate the broiler to melt and caramelize the cheese until lightly browned, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish the finished zucchini steaks with freshly torn basil leaves and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes before serving on a decorative platter.
Notes
- Salt-Sweat Technique: Drawing out excess moisture prevents soggy zucchini and ensures a crispy, golden-brown surface during cooking.
- Crosshatch Scoring: Creating diagonal cuts helps seasonings penetrate deeper and promotes even cooking and caramelization.
- Cheese Selection: Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and more robust flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives for plant-based diets, maintaining similar rich, savory profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg