Smoked Zucchini

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Are you looking for a delicious smoked zucchini recipe? Zucchini is perfect for a main dish or you can it as a simple side dish. The best part is the simplicity, all you need for this recipe is three ingredients.

So next time you’re planning your menu for a cookout, don’t forget the humble zucchini. When you add the add that delicious smoky flavor it takes zucchini to the next level and will you guests fighting over it.

Just follow my simple steps for smoked zucchini below!

Smoked Zucchini

Supply: Anyone with a zucchini plant in the vegetable garden will tell you how abundant they are!

Healthy: 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.

Good Carb Alternative: Zucchini is an excellent replacement for pasta and lasagna sheets. It holds its form when cooked and has a mild flavor.

What You Need

• Zucchini
  Go for smaller zucchini and halve lengthwise. Smaller zucchinis will have smaller, softer seeds. You won’t have to worry about cleaning them out or having the taste affect your food.
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil
• Optional Toppings
• Olives
• Feta
• Pumpkin Seeds

How To Smoke Zucchini

Grilling zucchini is super easy and one of my favorite ways to prepare it. The smoke adds depth and so much flavor. Below are the simple steps you can easily follow at home.

Step 1 – Prepare the Grill

Set the smoker to 225°F. Load up the wood chip pellets – for this recipe, we are using cherry wood pellets.

Step 2 – Season and Prep

Try to have all the slices at an even thickness. I like to cut them in half lengthways and then in half again. 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.

Lay the zucchini out, rub it with olive oil then add salt and pepper to taste

Zucchini has a very subtle flavor so you can go a little crazy with adding bold flavor. For a spicy kick, try cumin, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes. For something more mellow, try cinnamon.

Step 3 – Smoking

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. You can garnish with anything you like, We have used red pepper flakes, feta, olives and fresh herbs.

What Temperature to Smoke At

I recommend smoking your zucchinis at 225°F for the first 45-60 minutes, then increasing the temperature for the final 30 minutes to 300°F. However, if you want to stick with one temperature, smoke your zucchini at 225°F for two hours.

Storing and Reheating

The optimal way to store smoked zucchini is by using an airtight container or a sandwich bag that can be resealed.

When properly stored in a resealable sandwich bag or an airtight container, smoked zucchini can maintain its freshness in the refrigerator for approximately four days.

There are multiple ways to reheat smoked zucchini. To reheat in the microwave, place the smoked zucchini on a plate and warm it in 30-second intervals until it reaches the desired temperature.

Another option is to reheat the smoked zucchini on the stovetop. Heat a pan over medium heat, add a small amount of oil, and then place the zucchini in the pan. Cook it until it is heated through, ensuring an even distribution of heat.

Serving Ideas

Grilled zucchini is fantastic on its own or paired with just about anything else you serve. I like to serve with smoked zucchini with lots of toppings. You can see below I added olives, feta, chopped red peppers and pumpkin seeds.

Or you can add to salmon, 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.

Or try my favorite, top with feta and olives for a Mediterranean twist. Remember that zucchinis tend to get soft and mushy as they sit. If grilling, leave the zucchini until right before serving.

More Smoked Vegetable Recipes

Vegetables like yellow squash, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and eggplant are perfect on a grill. They all soaked up the delicious smoky flavors! Plus vegetables are easy to throw on while you are cooking your main dish.

See some of my favorites vegetable recipes below

Smoked Brussel Sprouts

Sweet Potatoes

Corn

Smoked Asparagus

Mains to Serve It With

Here are some of my favorite mains to throw some smoked zucchini with.

Brown Sugar Rubbed Hot Smoked Salmon

Brisket on Pit Boss

Smoked Steaks

Crispy Pork Belly

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Smoke On!

Charlie

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