What To Know
- Roast summer squash in the oven with olive oil, herbs, and spices for a simple and flavorful side dish.
- Sauté summer squash in a pan with butter or olive oil for a quick and easy side dish.
- Stuff summer squash with your favorite fillings, such as rice, quinoa, or ground meat, for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Summer squash, with its vibrant colors and delicate flavor, is a delightful addition to any summer meal. And what better way to enjoy this seasonal treasure than by grilling it? Grilling summer squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds a smoky char that elevates its flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Summer Squash
The first step to grilling delicious summer squash is selecting the right varieties. Here are a few popular options:
- Yellow Squash: Known for its mild flavor and bright yellow color, yellow squash is a versatile grilling choice.
- Zucchini: Another popular choice, zucchini has a slightly more peppery flavor than yellow squash.
- Pattypan Squash: With its unique, flat, disc-like shape, pattypan squash adds a touch of whimsy to any dish.
- Acorn Squash: This variety, with its distinctive acorn shape, has a slightly nutty flavor and holds up well to grilling.
Preparing the Summer Squash for Grilling
Once you’ve chosen your squash, it’s time to prepare it for grilling. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Wash and Trim: Rinse the squash under cold water and trim off the ends.
2. Slice or Cube: Depending on the size and shape of the squash, you can slice it into rounds, lengthwise, or cube it.
3. Seasoning: Brush the squash with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
Grilling Techniques for Summer Squash
Now comes the fun part: grilling! Here are a few techniques to achieve perfectly grilled summer squash:
- Direct Heat: For quick and flavorful grilling, use direct heat over medium-high heat. Place the squash slices or cubes on the grill grates and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
- Indirect Heat: For a more gentle grilling experience, use indirect heat. Place the squash on the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct flame. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until tender.
- Plank Grilling: For a unique smoky flavor, try plank grilling. Soak a cedar or oak plank in water for at least 30 minutes. Place the squash on the plank and grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
Flavorful Variations for Grilled Summer Squash
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your grilled summer squash. Here are a few variations to explore:
- Herbed Summer Squash: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to your seasoning blend for an aromatic touch.
- Spicy Summer Squash: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Citrusy Summer Squash: Drizzle with lemon or lime juice before grilling for a bright and refreshing flavor.
- Sweet and Savory Summer Squash: Add a touch of sweetness with a sprinkle of honey or maple syrup before grilling.
Serving Grilled Summer Squash
Grilled summer squash is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few serving ideas:
- As a Side Dish: Serve grilled summer squash alongside grilled meats, fish, or poultry.
- In Salads: Add grilled summer squash to salads for a burst of flavor and texture.
- In Pasta Dishes: Toss grilled summer squash with your favorite pasta dish for a hearty and flavorful meal.
- As a Topping: Use grilled summer squash as a topping for pizzas, burgers, or tacos.
Beyond the Grill: Other Ways to Enjoy Summer Squash
While grilling is a fantastic way to prepare summer squash, it’s not the only option. Here are a few other delicious ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable:
- Roasted: Roast summer squash in the oven with olive oil, herbs, and spices for a simple and flavorful side dish.
- Sautéed: Sauté summer squash in a pan with butter or olive oil for a quick and easy side dish.
- Stuffed: Stuff summer squash with your favorite fillings, such as rice, quinoa, or ground meat, for a hearty and satisfying meal.
A Summer Squash Feast: A Final Thought
Summer squash is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you choose to grill it, roast it, sauté it, or stuff it, there’s a summer squash recipe out there for everyone. So get creative, experiment with different flavors and techniques, and enjoy the bounty of summer squash!
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: How long does it take to grill summer squash?
A: Grilling time for summer squash varies depending on the size and thickness of the slices or cubes. Generally, it takes about 3-5 minutes per side for direct grilling and 10-15 minutes for indirect grilling.
Q: Can I grill summer squash with the skin on?
A: Yes, you can grill summer squash with the skin on. However, some people prefer to peel it first for a smoother texture.
Q: What are some good seasonings for grilled summer squash?
A: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili flakes, thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, and lemon or lime juice are all excellent seasonings for grilled summer squash.
Q: Can I grill summer squash in foil?
A: Yes, you can grill summer squash in foil. This will help to keep the squash moist and prevent it from sticking to the grill grates.
Q: What should I do if my grilled summer squash is too soft?
A: If your grilled summer squash is too soft, it may have been overcooked. Try grilling it for a shorter amount of time next time. You can also try using a lower grilling temperature.
