Description
These Mexican Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Skewers are a vibrant, flavorful side dish perfect for summer grilling. Thinly sliced zucchini is seasoned with tangy tajín and brushed with olive oil, then grilled to achieve delicious charred edges and caramelization. Easy to prepare and a great way to enjoy fresh zucchini with a zesty Mexican twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 zucchini, sliced thin - approximately 1/8 inch thick
Seasoning & Oil
- ¼ cup tajín, more or less to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil for brushing, plus extra as needed
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini: Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, cut the zucchini into thin slices about 1/8 inch thick. Bend a slice to ensure it is pliable and not too thick for weaving onto skewers.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to high temperature, around 450 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it's ready for quick grilling.
- Prepare the zucchini slices: Lay all zucchini slices out flat on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle tajín seasoning on each side evenly to infuse flavor.
- Weave zucchini onto skewers: Take the seasoned zucchini slices and carefully weave or fold them onto bamboo or stainless steel skewers, arranging them so they hold together securely for grilling.
- Grill the skewers: Place the zucchini ribbon skewers on the hot grill. Cook each side, turning 2 to 3 times total, to develop beautiful char marks and caramelization. This process takes about 10 minutes to ensure the zucchini is tender but not overcooked.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin zucchini ribbons to ensure they weave easily and cook uniformly.
- If tajín is unavailable, a mixture of chili powder, lime zest, and salt makes a good homemade substitute.
- Brush oil lightly to prevent flare-ups on the grill but enough to keep the zucchini moist.
- Stainless steel skewers conduct heat and may cook the zucchini faster than bamboo; adjust timing accordingly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor; they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 136 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
