When you are planning your menu for a cookout, don’t forget the humble vegetables.
Smoked vegetables are a great side dish, as they are!
Zucchini is one such vegetable that’s perfect for the pellet grill.
Adding the element of smoke takes this humble vegetable next level.
You do need to add some seasonings, so make sure you follow my steps below!
Table of contents
Why You Should Try Smoked Zucchini?
Anyone with a zucchini plant in the vegetable garden will tell you how abundant they are!
Zucchinis are low-carb, low-glycemic, vegan, and gluten-free.
They are suitable for a wide range of diets and are a healthy smoked dish that anyone can eat. They are also rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6.
Zucchini is an excellent replacement for pasta and lasagna sheets. It holds its form when cooked and has a mild flavor.
Are Other Vegetables Suitable for Smoking?
Grilled vegetables are a great addition to any meal. Vegetables like yellow squash, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and eggplant are perfect on a grill.
Marinade and grill for great results.
How Flavoring to Add to Zucchini
To get the best out of your zucchini, try a marinade or seasoning rub to boost the flavors.
Zucchini has a very subtle flavor so you can go a little crazy with adding bold flavor.
Load them with fresh herbs, cheese, garlic, citrus juices, and toasted seeds.
Or for a spicy kick, try cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or bell peppers. Drizzle with salad dressing or mayonnaise before serving. The options are limitless!
How to Slice Zucchini for Smoking
Try to have all the slices an even thickness. Using a mandoline slicer is perfect for this job.
Having different thicknesses will result in uneven cooking. You’ll have a job trying to keep an eye on what’s ready and what’s still cooking.
What Size Zucchini to Use
Go for smaller zucchinis and halve lengthwise. Smaller zucchinis will have smaller, softer seeds. You won’t have to worry about cleaning them out or have the taste affect your food.
What Color Should Zucchini Be
The darker the skin, the richer the nutrients, so go for deep dark green-skinned zucchinis.
How to Serve Smoked Zucchini
Serve up and eat as soon as they are ready. Zucchinis tend to get soft and mushy as they sit. If grilling, leave the zucchini until right before serving.
How To Smoke Zucchini
Grilling zucchini is super easy.
- Marinade or season the slices for several hours before cooking. Drain off when it’s their time on the grill grates.
- Set the pellet smoker to 190°F. Cook at a medium-high temperature.
- Pre-spray the grill if there is no oil in the marinade.
- Lay the zucchini on the grill grate and cook for 60 minutes. Then increase the temperature to 300°F and cook for a further 30 minutes.
- Make sure you rotate around to get those fabulous grill marks across the slices. Flip over after 5-6 minutes.
- Zucchini should take around 10-12 minutes in total. If you prefer a little crunch in your vegetables cook a few minutes less.
- You’ll know they’re ready when the flesh softens and the edges appear charred and brown.
Serving Ideas for Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is fantastic on its own, or paired with just about anything else you serve.
Add to pasta or salad dishes, layer onto a pizza, or add some slices to your burgers.
Top with your favorite creamy dressing or vinaigrette salad dressing.
Add some fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, garlic, or rosemary for a fresh dimension of flavor. Top with tomato and olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Smoked Zucchini
This recipe involves a minimum of fuss, no cleanup, and a delicious meal!
What Your Need
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 zucchini cut in half
- Olive oil
Method
Step 1 – Prepare the Grill
Pre-heat the pit boss grill to medium heat. Set the pellet smoker to 190°F.
Load up the wood chip pellets – for this recipe, we are using cherry wood pellets, but you can use whatever you like.
Step 2 – Prepare the Zucchini
Lay the zucchini out, rub with olive oil then add salt and pepper to taste
Step 3 – Cooking the Zucchini
Lay the zucchini on the grill grate and cook for 60 minutes.
Then increase the temperature to 300°F and cook for a further 30 minutes.
Make sure you rotate around to get those fabulous grill marks across the slices.
You’ll know they’re ready when the flesh starts to soften and the edges appear charred and brown.
Step 4 – Serving
Serve immediately. Garnish with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs.
Pit Boss Zucchini
Equipment
- Pit Boss Grill
Ingredients
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 4 zucchini cut in half
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Marinade or season the slices for several hours before cooking. Drain off when it’s their time on the grill grates.
- Set the pellet smoker to 190°F. Cook at a medium-high temperature.
- Pre-spray the grill if there is no oil in the marinade.
- Lay the zucchini on the grill grate and cook for 60 minutes. Then increase the temperature to 300°F and cook for a further 30 minutes.
- Make sure you rotate around to get those fabulous grill marks across the slices. Flip over after 5-6 minutes.
- Zucchini should take around 10-12 minutes in total. If you prefer a little crunch in your vegetables cook a few minutes less.
- You’ll know they’re ready when the flesh softens and the edges appear charred and brown.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with red pepper flakes or fresh herbs.
In no time at all, you’ll have a fantastic low-carb side dish that the whole family will love.
Next time you are grilling on the Pit Boss, throw some zucchini in and give them a try!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I am head taste tester at Simply Meat Smoking! I love it grilling, smoking, and getting out in the yard with the kids! The family also love to test all my recipes (especially my EXTRA CRISPY pulled pork, smoky pork loin, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill)
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling adventures with you!
You can read more on our About Us page.
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