16 Japanese Grilled Zucchini Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
The Japanese culture is known for its delicious and healthy cuisine, and their grilled zucchini recipe is no exception. This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple in Japanese households, often served as a side dish or as an accompaniment to a main course. Not only is it a delicious addition to any meal, but it also packs a nutritional punch, making it a perfect dish for those looking for a healthy and tasty option. Let's take a closer look at this mouthwatering Japanese grilled zucchini recipe.
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Zucchinis, Turnips, White Miso Paste
If you're looking for a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe, why not try incorporating some Japanese flavors with a side of pickled vegetables? Tsukemono, or Japanese pickled vegetables, are a staple in Japanese cuisine and add a tangy and refreshing element to any meal.
For this recipe, you can use a variety of vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, radishes, and even zucchini. Simply pickle them in a mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and mirin for a few hours before grilling alongside your beer can chicken. The combination of savory chicken and tangy pickled vegetables is sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is often used in Japanese cooking. While it may seem like an unlikely pairing with beer can chicken, the mild flavor of zucchini actually complements the savory chicken quite well.
To prepare Japanese-style zucchini, simply slice it into thick rounds and season with a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi, a Japanese spice blend that adds a bit of heat and citrusy flavor. Grill the zucchini alongside your beer can chicken, or for a twist, stuff the zucchini rounds with your favorite cheese and grill until melted and bubbly.
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Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Yakitori
Main Ingredients: Sake, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Honey, Garlic Clove
Yakitori, or grilled chicken on skewers, is a popular street food in Japan. For a fun and flavorful twist on beer can chicken, try making chicken and zucchini yakitori.
Cut boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and alternate them on skewers with chunks of zucchini. Marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before grilling. The result is tender, juicy chicken and perfectly grilled zucchini that is bursting with flavor.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
If you're a fan of traditional yakitori, why not try incorporating it into your beer can chicken recipe? The combination of smoky grilled chicken and the unique flavors of yakitori sauce make for a delicious and unexpected twist on the classic recipe.
To make yakitori sauce, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and garlic in a saucepan and simmer until thickened. Use this sauce to baste your beer can chicken as it grills for a flavorful and juicy result. Serve with grilled vegetables for the ultimate Japanese-inspired feast.
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Japanese Summer Vegetable Miso Soup
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Eggplant, Tomato, Dashi Powder, Miso Paste
While beer can chicken is often thought of as a hearty winter meal, it can also be adapted for a light and refreshing summer dish. Japanese summer vegetable miso soup is a perfect side dish to pair with your grilled chicken for a well-rounded meal.
The soup is made with a variety of seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, daikon, and enoki mushrooms, and flavored with a savory miso broth. The combination of grilled chicken and fresh, light soup is a perfect balance of flavors for a summer barbecue.
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Japanese Okonomiyaki with Dressed Mizuna &...
Main Ingredients: Scallions, Garlic, Carrot, Zucchini, Green Cabbage
Okonomiyaki, or Japanese savory pancakes, are a popular dish in Japan and are often enjoyed at street food stalls. For a unique twist on beer can chicken, try making a savory okonomiyaki topped with dressed mizuna, a leafy green vegetable with a slightly peppery flavor.
The okonomiyaki batter is made with flour, eggs, grated yam, and a variety of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and spring onions. Grill the pancakes on your barbecue and top with dressed mizuna, katsuobushi (dried and fermented tuna flakes), and mayonnaise for a delicious and unique side dish to pair with your beer can chicken.
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Japanese Zucchini Noodle Salad with Miso Dressing
Main Ingredients: Red Miso, Ground Ginger, Fresh Basil Leaves, Toasted
Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles", are a popular low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. For a healthy and flavorful side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try making a Japanese zucchini noodle salad with a miso dressing.
To make the dressing, combine miso paste, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey in a blender until smooth. Toss the dressing with the zucchini noodles, carrots, cucumber, and edamame for a refreshing and light side dish that is packed with Japanese flavors.
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Vegetable salad with shaved seaweed and Japanese...
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Baby Corn, Zucchini, Fresh Shiitake
For a simple yet flavorful side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try making a Japanese-inspired vegetable salad with shaved seaweed and a sesame dressing.
Thinly slice vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and radishes and toss with a dressing made from soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and honey. Top with shaved seaweed for a crunchy and refreshing salad that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
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Cuban Grilled Zucchini
Main Ingredients: Zucchinis, Cilantro, Butter, Smoked Paprika, Chili
If you're a fan of Cuban flavors, why not incorporate them into your beer can chicken recipe? Grilled zucchini with a Cuban-style marinade is a perfect side dish to pair with your chicken for a delicious and unique meal.
To make the marinade, combine lime juice, orange juice, garlic, oregano, and cumin in a blender and blend until smooth. Marinate the zucchini for at least 30 minutes before grilling and serve as a flavorful and tangy side dish to your beer can chicken.
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Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Cooked Chicken, Napa Cabbage, Shredded Carrots, Green
For a hearty and satisfying meal, why not make a traditional Japanese okonomiyaki to pair with your beer can chicken? These savory pancakes are made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork belly, shrimp, and octopus.
Grill the okonomiyaki on your barbecue and top with your choice of toppings, such as bonito flakes, mayonnaise, and okonomiyaki sauce. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a meal that is sure to impress your guests.
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Miso Salmon with Noodles
Main Ingredients: Sake, White Miso, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce, Salmon
If you're a fan of seafood, why not try incorporating a Japanese twist on your beer can chicken recipe with a side of miso salmon and noodles? This dish is a perfect combination of savory and refreshing flavors.
Marinate salmon fillets in a mixture of miso paste, mirin, sake, and sugar for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Serve the salmon alongside Japanese-style noodles, such as soba or udon, for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
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Grilled Zucchini
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning, Coarse Kosher
If you're short on time but still want to incorporate zucchini into your beer can chicken recipe, simply grilling it as a side dish is a delicious and easy option. Simply brush the zucchini with olive oil and season with your choice of spices, such as garlic powder and paprika. Grill until tender and serve with your chicken for a simple and flavorful meal.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Skewered Chicken/焼き鳥)
Main Ingredients: Boneless And Skinless Chicken Leg Meat, Scallions
For a classic Japanese-inspired side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try making traditional yakitori, or grilled skewered chicken. This dish is often enjoyed as a street food in Japan and is a perfect addition to any barbecue menu.
To make the yakitori, cut boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and alternate them on skewers with green bell peppers, onions, and shiitake mushrooms. Baste with a simple mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin while grilling for a flavorful and juicy result.
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Okonomiyaki (Japanese Pancake)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Dashi, Eggs, Cabbage, Carrots, Zucchini, Green
For a unique and delicious side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try making a traditional Japanese-style okonomiyaki pancake. This dish is a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors and is sure to be a hit at any barbecue.
The pancake batter is made with flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as tempura flakes, corn, and beni shoga (pickled ginger). Top with okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes for a flavorful and unique side dish.
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Grilled Zucchini and Squash
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Squash, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ground Black
If you're a fan of grilled vegetables, why not try incorporating zucchini and squash into your beer can chicken recipe? These two vegetables are a perfect pairing and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to complement the flavors of the chicken.
For a flavorful and simple side dish, brush the zucchini and squash with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and thyme and grill until tender. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
For a unique and unexpected twist on your beer can chicken recipe, try incorporating Japanese-style pancakes into your menu. These savory pancakes are made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as bacon, shrimp, and corn.
Top the pancakes with a mixture of okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes for a flavorful and satisfying side dish that is sure to be a hit with your guests.
If you're a fan of savory pancakes, why not try incorporating a Japanese-style okonomiyaki into your beer can chicken recipe? This dish is a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors and is a unique addition to any barbecue menu.
The pancake batter is made with flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as pork belly, shrimp, and octopus. Top with a mixture of okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
If you're looking for a light and refreshing dessert to pair with your beer can chicken, try making a Japanese-style 'cotton' cheesecake. This unique dessert is a cross between a traditional cheesecake and a soufflé, resulting in a light and airy texture.
The cheesecake is made with a combination of cream cheese, egg whites, and cornstarch, and has a subtle hint of lemon. Serve with fresh berries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a refreshing and delicious end to your meal.
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Grilled Zucchini with Yummy Lemon Salt
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Lemons
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful way to season your zucchini, try making a batch of "yummy lemon salt" to sprinkle on top. This simple seasoning is made with a mixture of kosher salt, lemon zest, and black pepper and adds a zesty and tangy flavor to your grilled zucchini.
This side dish is perfect to pair with your beer can chicken for a light and refreshing summer meal.
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Balsamic Grilled Zucchini
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Sugar, Italian
For a simple and flavorful side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, try making balsamic grilled zucchini. The tangy and sweet flavors of the balsamic vinegar perfectly complement the savory chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 large zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- featured keyword: Japanese chili flakes (optional)
Instructions:
To start, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating up, wash and dry the zucchinis and cut them into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place the zucchini slices in a bowl and set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Japanese chili flakes (if using). This will be the marinade for the zucchini slices.
Pour the marinade over the zucchini slices, making sure each slice is evenly coated. Let the zucchini marinate for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse into the slices.
Once the grill is hot, place the zucchini slices on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they have nice grill marks and are tender. Be sure to brush the zucchini with the remaining marinade while grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
Once the zucchini slices are cooked, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving dish. You can garnish with additional sesame seeds or Japanese chili flakes for added texture and spice.
This Japanese grilled zucchini recipe is a perfect side dish for any Japanese-inspired meal. The zucchinis are grilled to perfection, giving them a smoky and slightly charred flavor, while the marinade adds a burst of umami and sweetness. With the added health benefits of zucchini, this dish is a great addition to any meal. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of Japanese cuisine in the comfort of your own home?
- featured keyword: healthy
For a healthier twist on this dish, you can also try grilling the zucchini slices on a grill pan instead of a traditional grill. This will reduce the amount of oil used and still give you that delicious grilled flavor. You can also add other vegetables such as bell peppers or onions to the marinade for a more well-rounded and colorful dish.
With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, this Japanese grilled zucchini recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish. So fire up that grill and enjoy this tasty dish with your loved ones!