Zucchini Scampi

Updated Aug. 10, 2023

Zucchini Scampi
Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
25 minutes
Rating
4(1,558)
Comments
Read comments

While scampi is a type of crustacean (also known as langoustines), the word has also come to refer to the garlicky lemon-butter sauce that drapes shrimp at Italian American restaurants. But what if you lost the shellfish altogether? When zucchini, or any kind of summer squash, is sliced and cooked only part way, they have a juicy snap similar to shrimp, no mushiness. This rendition also maintains the lively flavors of garlic and lemon, which are only slightly mellowed by the residual heat of the sauce. Eat with pasta or crusty bread, or as a side dish to any summery meal.

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone
    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
    Subscribe
  • Print Options


Advertisement


Ingredients

Yield:4 servings
  • pounds zucchini, or other summer squash, sliced into ½-inch-thick rounds
  • Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
  • Neutral oil, such as grapeseed or canola
  • 1garlic clove, finely chopped
  • ¼teaspoon red-pepper flakes
  • ½cup white wine
  • 3tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and cold
  • 1tablespoon lemon juice (from half a lemon)
  • 1tablespoon chopped parsley, mint or basil leaves (or ½ tablespoon chopped tarragon leaves)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

156 calories; 12 grams fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 4 grams sugars; 2 grams protein; 508 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by
Cooking Newsletter illustration

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Arrange the squash in a single layer and sprinkle with ¾ teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes (and no more than 30). Pat dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel.

  2. Step 2

    In a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high, heat a thin layer of oil (about 1 tablespoon). Add a single layer of squash, salted sides down. Cook, without flipping, until browned underneath, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a platter or large plate, and repeat with the remaining squash, adding more oil as necessary. Sprinkle with garlic and red-pepper flakes.

  3. Step 3

    With the empty skillet over medium-high heat, add the white wine (stand back as it may flame). Simmer until reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the butter and shake the skillet until the butter melts and combines with the wine into a smooth sauce. Remove skillet from the heat, add the lemon juice and shake to combine. Season to taste with salt, then pour over the squash. Top with the parsley and serve warm.

Ratings

4 out of 5
1,558 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Comments

Better to put the garlic into a tablespoon of oil and the microwave for 30 seconds at half power. The infused oil can be used for the cooking and the garlic will loose that raw bite.

I toasted some bread crumbs in olive oil before I started cooking the zucchini and sprinkled it over the top at the end. Added a nice texture. Also I threw the garlic into the pan with the wine to take a little of the rawness away.

Is there a reason not to add the squash back to the pan at the end? I would think a minute in the pan would take the edge off the raw garlic and also reheat the squash.

Doubled the sauce, cooked the garlic and red pepper flakes in it for a few minutes, then served over pasta. Fantastic.

Raw garlic?? Why not add it to the cooking process at some point? Or did I miss something?

I tried the recipe yesterday and imagined the sauce to be like a beurre blanc. Unfortunately, that was not the case. For me, the taste was too bland. In the end, I made a quick tomato sauce to accompany the zucchini. Served them seperately, as advised in the recipe. And the zucchini were really good, cooked like this! Sitting at my desk right now, eating the rest of them cold. Garlicky, but very nice!

Private comments are only visible to you.

Advertisement

or to save this recipe.