7 Steps to Make Restaurant-Quality Grilled Zucchini Tacos at Home

Grilled Zucchini Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian option that’s perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight meal. The char from the grill gives the zucchini a delicious smoky flavor, which pairs perfectly with fresh toppings and a zesty sauce. Originating from the Southwestern United States and Mexico, tacos have become a versatile dish, adapting to countless regional and personal preferences. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to achieve perfectly grilled zucchini and assemble mouthwatering tacos that will impress vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Quick Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy

Servings: 4

Calories: 250 (per serving)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Zucchini:

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick planks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

For the Tacos:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges for serving

Equipment Needed

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Knife
• Cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Zucchini:** In a mixing bowl, toss the zucchini slices with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the zucchini is evenly coated with the spices.
2. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F or 190-230°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
3. **Grill the Zucchini:** Place the zucchini planks on the grill in a single layer. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they have nice grill marks and are slightly tender. Avoid overcrowding the grill; work in batches if necessary.
4. **Make the Sauce:** While the zucchini is grilling, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
5. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the tortillas by lightly charring them on the grill for a few seconds per side, or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30-45 seconds.
6. **Assemble the Tacos:** Lay out the warmed tortillas. Add a few slices of grilled zucchini to each tortilla.
7. **Add Toppings:** Top the zucchini with a dollop of the lime crema, crumbled cheese, chopped red onion, and sliced avocado. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Pro Tips for Success

• **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Grilling in batches ensures that the zucchini gets proper char and cooks evenly.
• **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the zucchini marinade for a little heat.
• **Make-Ahead Tip:** The zucchini can be grilled ahead of time and reheated before serving. The lime crema can also be made a day in advance.
• **Ingredient Substitution:** If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works well. For a vegan option, use a plant-based sour cream alternative.

How to Serve and Present

Serve the Grilled Zucchini Tacos immediately while the zucchini is warm and the tortillas are pliable. Arrange the tacos on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color. These tacos pair well with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Black Bean Tacos: Add a layer of seasoned black beans under the zucchini for extra protein and fiber.
2. Corn and Zucchini Salsa Tacos: Top the grilled zucchini with a homemade corn and zucchini salsa for added texture and sweetness.
3. Halloumi Tacos: Add grilled halloumi cheese for a salty and chewy component.

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use a different type of squash?
A: Yes, yellow squash or other summer squash varieties can be used in place of zucchini.

Q: How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy?
A: Grilling over high heat and avoiding overcrowding helps the zucchini char without becoming soggy. Also, don’t add salt until right before grilling.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, use plant-based sour cream or yogurt and omit the cheese, or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: A grill pan on the stovetop works well, or you can roast the zucchini in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the tacos?
A: Absolutely! Grilled bell peppers, onions, or corn would be delicious additions.

Conclusion

These Grilled Zucchini Tacos are a delightful and healthy meal that’s easy to customize to your liking. The combination of smoky grilled zucchini, creamy lime sauce, and fresh toppings creates a burst of flavor in every bite. Give this recipe a try and discover how simple it is to make restaurant-quality tacos right in your own kitchen. Share your results in the comments! You might also enjoy our Grilled Corn Salad or Black Bean Burgers for more vegetarian options.