Can I make this recipe without a Blackstone grill?

Absolutely! A large cast iron skillet or non-stick pan works perfectly. The key is using high heat to get that nice caramelization on the zucchini. Just make sure your pan is hot before adding the butter and vegetables.

How do I prevent my zucchini from becoming mushy?

The secret is cooking quickly over high heat and not overcooking. Aim for tender-crisp rather than soft. Also, avoid salting your zucchini before cooking, as salt draws out moisture and can lead to sogginess.

What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?

If you don't have teriyaki sauce, you can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar, and a dash of garlic powder. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Traditional teriyaki sauce contains sugar, making this recipe not strictly keto. However, you can easily adapt it by using a sugar-free teriyaki sauce or the soy sauce substitute mentioned above with a keto-friendly sweetener.

Hibachi Zucchini Recipe - LazyDayRecipes

Name: Hibachi Zucchini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese-American
Ingredients: Main Vegetables; 3 medium zucchinis; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; For Sautéing; 2 tablespoons butter; Seasonings & Toppings; 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

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This incredible Hibachi Zucchini brings the magic of Japanese steakhouse cooking right to your kitchen! With just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes, you’ll create a mouthwatering side dish that’s bursting with savory-sweet flavors and perfect caramelization. The tender zucchini, enhanced with butter and teriyaki, delivers that authentic hibachi experience without ever leaving home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you’ll have this dish on the table in just 15 minutes – perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something delicious without the wait.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe captures that distinctive hibachi flavor you crave from Japanese steakhouses, but at a fraction of the cost.
Veggie Winner: Even picky eaters find themselves going back for seconds! The caramelized edges and savory-sweet flavor transform ordinary zucchini into something truly special.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with nearly any protein – chicken, steak, salmon, or tofu – making it an easy addition to countless meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Zucchini: The star of the dish – choose medium, firm zucchini for the best texture. They’ll soften beautifully while still maintaining some bite.
Butter: Creates that signature hibachi richness and helps achieve beautiful caramelization on the zucchini. The flavor is unmatched!
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it caramelizes alongside the zucchini. The finer you chop it, the more it melds into the sauce.
Teriyaki Sauce: Delivers that classic hibachi flavor – sweet, salty, and rich. Choose a quality brand for the best results.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the teriyaki. Adjust to your spice preference.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Sesame Seeds: Not just for appearance! They add a wonderful nutty flavor and pleasant textural contrast to the tender vegetables.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your hibachi zucchini:

Veggie Medley: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli florets for a more substantial side dish.
Protein Plus: Transform this into a main dish by adding strips of chicken, steak, or shrimp during cooking.
Sauce Swap: Try substituting the teriyaki with soy sauce and a touch of honey for a different flavor profile.
Extra Umami: Add a tablespoon of minced garlic or a teaspoon of grated ginger (or both!) when cooking the onions.
Spice Boost: Include a drizzle of sriracha or a dash of togarashi seasoning for added heat.

How to Make Hibachi Zucchini

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Cut your zucchini into approximately 2-inch wedges. This size allows them to develop nice caramelization while maintaining some texture. Finely chop your onion so it melds perfectly with the sauce.

Step 2: Heat Your Cooking Surface

Preheat your Blackstone Grill or large skillet to medium-high heat (around 400°F). You want it hot enough to get good caramelization but not so hot that the butter burns.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

Add the butter to your hot cooking surface and spread it evenly with a spatula. The butter should sizzle immediately but not burn.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add the zucchini and onions to the melted butter. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. You’re looking for those beautiful golden-brown edges to start forming.

Step 5: Add Seasonings and Sauce

Drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the vegetables, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the delicious sauce and seasonings.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini should become tender but still maintain some structure – no one wants mushy zucchini!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and delicious!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to ensure your zucchini browns properly rather than steams.
Consistent Sizing: Try to cut your zucchini pieces uniformly so they cook evenly.
High Heat is Key: That initial sear on high heat is what gives you the authentic hibachi flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook: Zucchini can quickly go from perfectly tender to mushy. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat while it still has some bite.
Butter Matters: Real butter provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with a high-heat oil if preferred.
Pat Dry: If your zucchini seems particularly watery, pat it dry with paper towels before cooking to help with browning.

How to Serve

This hibachi zucchini makes an exceptional side dish that complements so many meals:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve alongside hibachi chicken, steak, or shrimp for an authentic Japanese steakhouse experience at home.
Add to a grain bowl with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Include as part of an Asian-inspired feast with gyoza, spring rolls, or teriyaki salmon.

Garnish Options:

Sprinkle with sliced green onions for freshness and color.
Drizzle with additional teriyaki sauce or yum yum sauce for extra flavor.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover hibachi zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually develops nicely overnight, though the texture will soften somewhat.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing isn’t recommended as zucchini tends to become very soft and watery when thawed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until just warmed through. Microwave reheating works too (1-2 minutes on high), but the zucchini will be softer.

Note: If you plan to make ahead, consider slightly undercooking the zucchini initially so it doesn’t become too soft when reheated.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a Blackstone grill?

Absolutely! A large cast iron skillet or non-stick pan works perfectly. The key is using high heat to get that nice caramelization on the zucchini. Just make sure your pan is hot before adding the butter and vegetables.
How do I prevent my zucchini from becoming mushy?

The secret is cooking quickly over high heat and not overcooking. Aim for tender-crisp rather than soft. Also, avoid salting your zucchini before cooking, as salt draws out moisture and can lead to sogginess.
What can I substitute for teriyaki sauce?

If you don’t have teriyaki sauce, you can use a mixture of 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar, and a dash of garlic powder. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Traditional teriyaki sauce contains sugar, making this recipe not strictly keto. However, you can easily adapt it by using a sugar-free teriyaki sauce or the soy sauce substitute mentioned above with a keto-friendly sweetener.

Final Thoughts

This Hibachi Zucchini recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s the perfect way to transform an everyday vegetable into something truly special – whether as a quick side dish on busy weeknights or an impressive addition to your weekend feast. The combination of tender-crisp zucchini, savory-sweet teriyaki, and that signature hibachi char creates an irresistible dish that everyone will love. Give it a try tonight – your taste buds will thank you!