Imagine transforming the humble zucchini into a mouth-watering side dish that's so delicious, even vegetable skeptics will be asking for seconds! This Roasted Lemon Pepper Zucchini recipe is your ticket to a quick, easy, and absolutely flavor-packed culinary experience that brings together the bright zing of lemon and the bold kick of black pepper. Perfect for busy home cooks looking to elevate their vegetable game in just 30 minutes, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary zucchini into a restaurant-worthy delicacy that will have everyone at the table begging for more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under cool running water, then pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, trim the ends of the zucchinis and slice them diagonally into uniform 1/4-inch thick oval pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together to create a uniform marinade.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the bowl and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the lemon-pepper seasoning mixture.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with additional olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the seasoned zucchini slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping for optimal roasting.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, turning the zucchini pieces halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Remove from the oven when zucchini edges are golden brown and slightly crisp, and the centers are tender.
- Let the roasted zucchini rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the temperature to moderate.
- Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional fresh lemon zest or chopped herbs if desired.
Tips
- Slice Uniformly: Ensure all zucchini slices are cut to the same thickness (1/4-inch) to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your zucchini slices breathing room on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, preventing that desirable golden-brown crispiness.
- Pat Dry: Always thoroughly dry your zucchini after washing to help achieve a crisp exterior and prevent soggy results.
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 425°F helps caramelize the edges and create a delightful texture contrast between crisp edges and tender centers.
- Midway Flip: Turning the zucchini halfway through cooking ensures even browning and prevents burning on one side.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
