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To cut zucchini for grilling skewers, you’ll want to slice it into thick rounds, half-moons, or sturdy planks so it holds up on the grill without falling apart.
The good news is that learning how to cut zucchini for grilling skewers is quick and simple once you know a few tricks.
Zucchini is one of the best vegetables for skewers because it grills fast, soaks up marinades, and stays firm enough to slide right off the stick.
Whether you’re prepping veggie skewers for a summer BBQ or meal prepping for the week, getting the cut right makes all the difference.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cut zucchini for grilling skewers, the best thickness to use, and a few tips to keep your zucchini from turning mushy.
Let’s dive in.
How to Cut Zucchini for Grilling Skewers
Cutting zucchini for grilling skewers starts with washing and drying your zucchini thoroughly.
Once it’s clean, trim off both ends with a sharp knife.
From there, you have a few options depending on the look and texture you want.
Here are the best ways to cut zucchini for grilling skewers:
1. Cut Thick Rounds
The simplest way to cut zucchini for grilling skewers is to slice it into rounds about ¾ to 1 inch thick.
Thin slices will fall apart on the grill, so don’t go thinner than ½ inch.
Thick rounds stay firm, char nicely, and thread easily onto a skewer without splitting.
This is the classic method most people use when cutting zucchini for grilling skewers.
2. Make Half-Moons
If your zucchini is large and the rounds feel too wide for your skewer, cut it in half lengthwise first.
Then slice each half into ¾-inch half-moons.
This is a smart way to cut zucchini for grilling skewers when you’re working with jumbo garden zucchini.
Half-moons also sit flatter on the grill, giving you more surface area for those lovely char marks.
3. Slice Into Planks or Spears
Another great option for how to cut zucchini for grilling skewers is to cut it into planks or spears.
Slice the zucchini lengthwise into ½-inch planks, then cut each plank into long spears.
Spears work especially well for thicker skewers and give your zucchini a meaty bite.
Just be sure to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.
4. Use a Mandoline for Consistency
If you want perfectly even pieces every time you cut zucchini for grilling skewers, a mandoline is your best friend.
It gives you consistent thickness, which means even cooking across the whole skewer.
Just watch your fingers and use the guard.
Best Thickness and Tips for Cutting Zucchini for Grilling Skewers
The best thickness when you cut zucchini for grilling skewers is between ¾ inch and 1 inch.
Anything thinner tends to turn to mush or slip through the grill grates.
Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
1. Salt Zucchini First
Before you cut zucchini for grilling skewers, consider salting the slices and letting them sit for 15 minutes.
This draws out excess moisture so your zucchini grills instead of steams.
Just pat them dry before threading.
2. Soak Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading your zucchini.
This keeps them from burning on the grill.
Metal skewers work too and don’t need soaking, but they get hot, so handle with care.
3. Leave a Little Space Between Pieces
When you cut zucchini for grilling skewers, don’t pack the pieces tightly together.
Leave a small gap between each piece so the heat circulates and everything cooks evenly.
4. Thread Through the Skin Side
Push the skewer through the skin side of each zucchini piece for the most stability.
This helps the zucchini hold its shape as it grills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Cut Zucchini for Grilling Skewers
Even when you know how to cut zucchini for grilling skewers, a few common mistakes can ruin your cookout.
Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Cutting Pieces Too Thin
Thin slices are the number one mistake people make when they cut zucchini for grilling skewers.
They dry out, stick to the grates, and fall apart when you flip them.
Stick with thick, sturdy pieces for the best results.
2. Skipping the Marinade
Zucchini is mild, so a good marinade or brush of olive oil, garlic, and herbs makes a big difference.
Marinate your zucchini for 20 to 30 minutes after you cut zucchini for grilling skewers and before they hit the heat.
3. Overcrowding the Skewer
Packing too many pieces onto one skewer steams the zucchini instead of grilling it.
Give each piece room to breathe and you’ll get that smoky, caramelized flavor you’re after.
4. Not Preheating the Grill
A hot, well-oiled grill is essential.
Heat it to medium-high before placing your skewers down.
The zucchini will sear quickly and release easily instead of sticking.
So, How Do You Cut Zucchini for Grilling Skewers?
You cut zucchini for grilling skewers by slicing it into thick rounds, half-moons, or spears that are ¾ to 1 inch thick.
That thickness keeps the zucchini firm on the grill and gives it a satisfying bite.
Salt it, marinate it, and leave space between pieces for the best results.
Now that you know how to cut zucchini for grilling skewers, you’re ready to fire up the grill and enjoy perfectly charred, flavorful zucchini every single time.