Zucchini "Steaks" with Chermoula Sauce

These Zucchini "Steaks" with Chermoula Sauce are tender with a crisp outside that has been browned for extra flavor. The delicious blend of citrus and herbs in the sauce matches perfectly.

This recipe for Zucchini "Steaks" is not only really tasty, but a great way to use the fresh zucchini that's in every garden and market during the summer. Fresh and mild, they are a tasty canvas for this chermoula sauce, which is packed with flavors from the herbs, spices, garlic, and lemon juice in it.

One of my favorite things about this veggie dish is that it works really well with grains, potatoes, and beans. Plus, the sauce is easily stored for other meals. So not only are these Zucchini "Steaks" convenient and versatile, but they also taste scrumptious. Let's look at what you'll use to make them.

Video Tutorial

What you'll need

• Zucchini. I prefer green zucchini over yellow squash because it softens more.
• Oil. Use your favorite kind.
• Salt & Pepper. To taste.
• Chermoula Sauce. Fresh parsley, cilantro, cumin powder, coriander powder, paprika, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt.

How to make these Zucchini "Steaks"

1. Make the Chermoula sauce by blending all of the chermoula ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.

2. Cut the zucchini into 1 inch thick circles.

3. To a non-stick skillet, add the oil and place the zucchini circles in it. Season them with salt and pepper and fry over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until the bottoms turn golden brown. Then flip them.

4. Season the zucchini with salt and pepper again, reduce the heat to medium low, and cover with a lid. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, or until they reach the desired doneness.

5. Remove the zucchini "steaks" from the heat and spread about a teaspoon (or more) of Chermoula sauce on each zucchini circle. Serve warm.

Tips for the best Zucchini "Steaks" with Chermoula Sauce

• Choose good quality zucchini. When buying or picking your zucchini, look for ones that are firm, but not hard. They should have no blemishes or soft spots, and be a deep green color.
• Cut the zucchini to 1 inch circles. This thickness is so the zucchini cooks and crisps while having a soft and tender center, but is not so thin that is becomes flimsy or mushy. The skin also adds structure.
• Leave the sauce on the thick side. When you make your chermoula sauce, make sure it is on the thicker side. This makes it easy to spoon on the zucchini circles and it won't drip off.
• Make extra chermoula. This delicious sauce is really versatile so take the time to make some extra and store it in the fridge or freezer. You can use it with potatoes, veggies, bread, or on tofu.

Add-ins and Substitutes

• Make this with other vegetables. Zucchini is great because of its soft texture, but you can also make this recipe with yellow squash, eggplant, and cauliflower.
• Bread the zucchini "steaks." Breading them before frying will add a delicious crunch to the zucchini and work well with the chermoula sauce. Panko is great because it's extra crispy.
• Substitute other sauces. Change things up by making this recipe with another sauce, such as this Roasted Pepper Sauce, Vegan Cashew Cheese Sauce, Mushroom Sauce, or Vegan Tzatziki Sauce.
• Shred the zucchini. Try this recipe with "zoodles." Spiralizing the zucchini and then sauteing it and tossing it with chermoula sauce is incredibly delicious.

How to Store

You can store any leftover Zucchini "Steaks" with Chermoula Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator once they have cooled. They will stay fresh for about 4-5 days. You can store any remained chermoula sauce in a lidded jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze the sauce in an ice cube tray, storing the frozen cubes in a ziplock bag. Reheat your zucchini on the stovetop or in the oven.

What to Serve with it

• Grains. Add these Zucchini "Steaks" with Chermoula Sauce to a plate of Spinach Rice, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad, or Rice and Beans. You can also serve it with pasta, like this Creamy Lemon Spaghetti.
• Stuffed Vegetables. Pair this dish with Vegan Stuffed Eggplants, Vegan Stuffed Peppers, or Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes.
• Beans. Try this zucchini recipe with Vegan Rice and Beans, Quick & Easy Chipotle Pinto Beans, Black Bean Tacos, or Vegan Black Bean Burgers.
• Potatoes. Serve them with The BEST Vegan Mashed Potatoes, Vegan Scalloped Potatoes, Garlic Smashed Potatoes, or Paprika Baked Potatoes.

I hope you love these Zucchini "Steaks" with Chermoula Sauce as much as I do. They're flavorful, easy, and versatile, as well as the perfect summer dish to share with family and friends.