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Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks

Here’s a recipe inspired by Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks:

Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Boats

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • Kosher salt
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
  • 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 oz. mozzarella, shredded (about 1/2 c.)
  • 1 oz. Parmesan, finely shredded (about 1/2 c.)
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, torn

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Using a sharp knife, slice each zucchini in half lengthwise, yielding 4 “boats.” Score the flesh side of each boat diagonally at 1/4-inch intervals, then rotate and score again to create a crosshatch pattern. Season the flesh side of each boat with 1 teaspoon of salt and let sit for about 15 minutes to release moisture.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, chopped garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the garlic oil to a small bowl.
  4. In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Pat the zucchini boats dry with paper towels. Arrange 2 halves flesh side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the browned zucchini boats flesh side up onto a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining zucchini boats, using the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
  5. Brush the tops of the zucchini boats with the garlic oil mixture. Bake in the preheated oven until tender in the center, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  6. Once the zucchini boats are tender, top them evenly with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Switch the oven to broil on high heat. Broil the zucchini boats, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Top with torn fresh basil and sprinkle with additional crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Serve the Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Boats hot as a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or side dish.

Enjoy these Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Boats bursting with flavor and cheesy goodness!

Here are some tips to make your Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks even more delightful:

  1. Choose Fresh Zucchini: Select firm zucchini with smooth, unblemished skin for the best flavor and texture. Fresh zucchini will have a vibrant green color and feel heavy for their size.
  2. Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Be sure to season the zucchini boats with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors before cooking.
  3. Enhance Garlic Flavor: For a richer garlic flavor, roast whole garlic cloves alongside the zucchini until soft and caramelized. Mash the roasted garlic and mix it with the olive oil to create a fragrant garlic oil for brushing onto the zucchini boats.
  4. Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese such as provolone, fontina, or Gruyere for different flavor profiles.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate additional fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley along with the basil for a burst of freshness and aroma.
  6. Grill Instead of Bake: For a smoky flavor and charred finish, grill the zucchini boats on an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan. This adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall appeal of the dish.
  7. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Just before serving, drizzle the zucchini boats with a balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory cheese and garlic flavors.
  8. Top with Toasted Nuts: For added texture and crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, sliced almonds, or chopped walnuts over the cheesy zucchini boats before serving.
  9. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Accompany the Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks with a flavorful dipping sauce such as marinara sauce, tzatziki, or aioli for an extra layer of indulgence.
  10. Garnish Creatively: Garnish the plated zucchini boats with additional toppings like microgreens, lemon zest, or a drizzle of truffle oil to elevate the presentation and add complexity to the flavors.

By incorporating these tips, you can take your Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks to the next level and create a dish that is even more delightful and memorable!

Achieving the perfect Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks involves a few secrets to ensure they turn out flavorful and delicious. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfection:

  1. Select the Right Zucchini: Choose medium-sized zucchini that are firm and free of blemishes. Avoid overly large zucchini, as they may have a spongy texture and contain more seeds.
  2. Proper Seasoning: Season the zucchini generously with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance their natural flavors. Allow them to sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.
  3. Prevent Excess Moisture: To prevent the zucchini from becoming watery during cooking, pat them dry with paper towels after slicing and before seasoning. This helps them brown evenly and develop a nice texture.
  4. Score the Zucchini: Scoring the flesh side of the zucchini with a sharp knife creates a crisscross pattern, allowing the garlic oil and cheese to penetrate the flesh and infuse flavor throughout.
  5. Infuse Garlic Flavor: Infuse the olive oil with garlic and crushed red pepper flakes by cooking them together in a skillet over low heat. This helps release the aroma and flavor of the garlic, ensuring it spreads evenly over the zucchini.
  6. Use High-Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and meltability. Freshly grated cheese will also provide better texture and melt more evenly.
  7. Don’t Overcook: Bake the zucchini until they are tender but still slightly firm in the center. Overcooking can result in mushy zucchini, so keep an eye on them to prevent them from becoming too soft.
  8. Broil for Golden Cheese: After baking, switch the oven to broil and briefly broil the zucchini until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  9. Garnish for Freshness: Finish the Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks with fresh basil or other herbs just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle additional crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
  10. Serve Immediately: Zucchini steaks are best served hot and fresh from the oven to enjoy their cheesy goodness at its peak. Serve them as a side dish or appetizer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

By following these secrets, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks that are bursting with flavor and sure to impress!

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers related to Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks:

  1. Can I grill the zucchini instead of baking them in the oven? Yes, you can grill the zucchini steaks instead of baking them for a smokier flavor. Simply brush the zucchini with garlic oil and grill them over medium heat until tender, then top with cheese and broil briefly to melt.
  2. Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are commonly used, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
  3. How can I prevent the zucchini from becoming watery? To prevent excess moisture, pat the zucchini dry with paper towels after slicing and before seasoning. Additionally, scoring the flesh side and allowing the zucchini to sit with salt can help draw out excess moisture.
  4. Can I make Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks ahead of time? While they are best served fresh, you can prepare the zucchini ahead of time by slicing and seasoning them, but wait to bake them until just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.
  5. How do I reheat leftover Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks? Reheat leftover zucchini steaks in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through. This will help retain their texture and crispness.
  6. What can I serve with Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks? Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks pair well with a variety of dishes such as grilled chicken, pasta, salad, or crusty bread. They also make a delicious vegetarian main dish or appetizer.
  7. Can I make Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks without cheese? While cheese adds flavor and richness to the dish, you can omit it if desired or substitute with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly version.
  8. How can I make the garlic flavor more intense? For a stronger garlic flavor, roast whole garlic cloves alongside the zucchini until soft and caramelized. Mash the roasted garlic and mix it with the olive oil to create a fragrant garlic oil for brushing onto the zucchini steaks.
  9. Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks? It’s not recommended to freeze cooked zucchini as they can become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerate any leftovers and consume within a few days.
  10. How can I customize the recipe to my taste preferences? Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional seasonings, herbs, or spices to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different toppings like toasted nuts or breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.

These are some of the most commonly asked questions and answers related to Cheesy Garlic Zucchini Steaks, which can help you prepare and enjoy this delicious dish with confidence!