Grilled Zucchini with Herb Butter - North Dakota Style

Introduction

This Grilled Zucchini with Herb Butter is a perfect balance of savory, rich, and smoky flavor – all made effortlessly on the Arteflame grill. Whether you're in the heart of North Dakota or grilling in your own backyard, this dish is a showstopper. Using fresh zucchini and rich butter infused with fragrant herbs, you’ll get a perfect sear and beautiful presentation right on the Arteflame's flat top griddle. With no need for pots or pans, and virtually no cleanup, this is outdoor cooking at its finest!

Ingredients

• 4 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the soaked napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over top of the napkins and light the paper.
4. Allow the grill to heat up for about 20 minutes to get it ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prep the herb butter

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, parsley, chives, thyme, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and set aside.

Step 3: Grill the zucchini

1. Place zucchini slices directly onto the hot flat top griddle near the center where it’s hottest.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown with charred grill marks.
3. Use a spatula to flip and evenly sear both sides; move slices toward the outer cool zones as they finish cooking.

Step 4: Toss with herb butter

1. Once all zucchini slices are grilled, transfer them to a mixing bowl.
2. Add the herb butter while the zucchini is hot so it melts and evenly coats the slices.
3. Gently toss to combine.

Tips

• Use high-quality real butter for the best flavor.
• Grill zucchini slices in batches if needed, spread out in a single layer.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Try using a grill press to get deeper sear marks faster.

Variations

1. Parmesan Zucchini: Toss grilled slices with grated parmesan along with the herb butter for a cheesy kick.
2. Spicy Herb Zucchini: Add crushed red pepper flakes and hot smoked paprika to the herb butter blend.
3. Lemon Basil Zucchini: Swap parsley and chives with fresh basil and amp up the lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor.
4. Balsamic Glazed Zucchini: Drizzle balsamic glaze over grilled zucchini before adding herb butter.
5. Zucchini with Garlic-Tarragon Butter: Use fresh tarragon and roasted garlic in the butter mix for a rich, aromatic profile.

Best pairings

• Perfectly reverse-seared New York strip steak or ribeye
• Fresh garden tomato salad with feta
• Chilled sauvignon blanc or crisp pilsner
• Grilled flatbread with garlic butter

Conclusion

Grilling fresh zucchini on the Arteflame grill allows you to keep all the natural flavors locked in with a perfect sear. The herb butter elevates each slice with rich, aromatic goodness. With no pots or pans to clean, and a grill that doubles as a full outdoor kitchen, there's no easier or more delicious way to enjoy farm-fresh vegetables right here in North Dakota.