Grilled and Smoked Zucchini (3 Simple Steps)

Are you looking for a declious zucchini recipe?

Smoke 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 vegetables. Adding the element of smoke takes zucchini to the next level.

Just follow my simple steps for smoked zucchini below!

Why You Should Try 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 For Smoked Zucchini

Zucchini

Kosher salt

Ground black pepper, to taste

Olive oil

Optional Toppings

Olives

Fet

Pumpkin Seeds

What Temperature to Smoke Zucchini 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.

How to Season Your Zucchini

To get the best out of your zucchini make sure you season them. Coat with olive oil and salt and pepper at the very least.

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.

How to Slice Zucchini for Smoking

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.

What Size Zucchini to Use

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.

How to Serve Smoked Zucchini

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.

Remember that zucchinis tend to get soft and mushy as they sit. If grilling, leave the zucchini until right before serving.

How To Make Smoked 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.

Preheat your smoker to 225°F, then slice your zucchini lengthways, then season the zucchini. I like to toss the zucchini with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper

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. 

What Is The Best Way To Store Smoked Zucchini?

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

How Long Will Smoked Zucchini Last In The Fridge?

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.

How To Reheat Smoked Zucchini

There are multiple ways to reheat smoked zucchini, each with its own benefits.

The microwave offers the fastest method, although it can result in a softer texture. 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 for Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is fantastic on its own or paired with just about anything else you serve. 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.

Method for Smoked Zucchini

This recipe involves a minimum of fuss, no cleanup, and a delicious meal!

Step 1 – Prepare the Grill

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

Step 2 – Prepare the Zucchini

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

Step 3 – Smoking 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. You can garnish with anything you like, We have used red pepper flakes, feta, olives and fresh herbs.

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 That Work Well With Smoked Zucchini

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

Brown Sugar Rubbed Hot Smoked Salmon

Smoked Beef Brisket

Smoked Steaks

Crispy Pork Belly

Smoke On!

Charlie

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