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To BBQ courgette, you need to slice it, season it, and grill it over direct heat until you get those beautiful char marks.
It’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy this versatile summer squash.
If you’ve been wondering how to BBQ courgette that tastes amazing and doesn’t turn into a mushy mess, you’re in the right place.
The good news is that learning how to bbq courgette is incredibly simple once you know a few key techniques.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to BBQ courgette, from choosing the right ones to getting perfect grill marks every single time.
Let’s fire up that grill and get started.
How to BBQ Courgette Perfectly Every Time
When you BBQ courgette, the goal is to get a tender interior with a slightly smoky, charred exterior.
Here’s how to make that happen:
1. Choose the Right Courgettes
The best courgettes for BBQ are small to medium-sized ones.
Look for courgettes that are firm, heavy for their size, and have shiny, unblemished skin.
Avoid the giant ones because they tend to be watery and full of seeds.
Smaller courgettes hold their shape better on the grill and have a sweeter, more concentrated flavor.
2. Slice Them Correctly
How you cut your courgette matters when you BBQ courgette.
Slice them lengthwise into planks about half an inch thick.
Lengthwise slices are easier to flip and they don’t fall through the grill grates.
If you’re working with a really large courgette, you can also cut it into thick rounds or diagonal slices.
Just keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.
3. Season and Oil Generously
Before you BBQ courgette, toss the slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
The oil prevents sticking and helps the seasonings adhere to the surface.
You can also add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like oregano and thyme.
Let the seasoned courgette sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors soak in.
4. Preheat Your Grill to Medium-High Heat
A hot grill is essential when you BBQ courgette.
You want the grates hot enough to create those signature char marks quickly.
If your grill isn’t hot enough, the courgette will steam instead of sear, and you’ll end up with a soggy texture.
Clean the grates and brush them with a little oil right before placing the courgette on.
5. Grill for 3 to 4 Minutes Per Side
Place the courgette slices directly on the hot grill.
Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving them.
Once you see those gorgeous grill marks, flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes.
The courgette is done when it’s tender but still has a slight bite to it.
Don’t overcook it because mushy courgette is never a good look.
Tips for the Best BBQ Courgette
Want to take your BBQ courgette to the next level?
Here are some tips that make a big difference:
1. Marinate for Extra Flavor
If you have time, marinate your courgette slices for 30 minutes before grilling.
A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs works wonders.
The acid in the lemon juice helps tenderize the courgette while the garlic and herbs infuse it with flavor.
2. Use a Grill Basket for Smaller Pieces
If you prefer courgette rounds or chunks, a grill basket is your best friend.
It keeps the smaller pieces from falling through the grates while still giving them that smoky BBQ flavor.
Just shake the basket occasionally so everything cooks evenly.
3. Finish with a Squeeze of Lemon and Fresh Herbs
Once your BBQ courgette comes off the grill, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.
Then sprinkle on some chopped fresh basil, parsley, or mint.
This brightens up the smoky flavor and makes the dish feel fresh and vibrant.
4. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Let your BBQ courgette rest for a couple of minutes after grilling.
This allows the juices to redistribute and the texture to settle.
It also gives you a moment to plate everything up nicely.
5. Serve It Hot Off the Grill
BBQ courgette tastes best when it’s served right away.
It works as a side dish, a topping for burgers, or even a main course with some crusty bread and dip.
You can also let it cool and toss it into salads or grain bowls the next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You BBQ Courgette
Even though learning how to BBQ courgette is simple, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Slicing Too Thin
Thin slices cook too fast and turn to mush.
Stick with half-inch thick slices for the best results.
2. Not Preheating the Grill
A cold grill means no char and no flavor.
Always preheat properly before you BBQ courgette.
3. Overcrowding the Grill
Give your courgette slices space.
If they’re touching each other, they’ll steam instead of sear.
4. Forgetting to Oil the Grates
This is the number one reason courgette sticks to the grill.
Oil the grates right before adding the courgette.
So, How to BBQ Courgette?
To BBQ courgette, you need to slice it, season it, and grill it over direct heat until you get those beautiful char marks.
It’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy this versatile summer squash.
Learning how to BBQ courgette is incredibly simple once you know a few key techniques.
From choosing the right courgettes to grilling them for just a few minutes per side, you’re now ready to make perfect BBQ courgette every single time.
So fire up that grill, grab some fresh courgettes, and enjoy every smoky, tender bite.