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GRILLED THIN ZUCCHINI STRIPS – INSPIRED BY BRAC ISLAND’S GRILL GARDEN, CROATIA

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
GRILLED THIN ZUCCHINI STRIPS – INSPIRED BY BRAC ISLAND’S GRILL GARDEN, CROATIA

GRILLED THIN ZUCCHINI STRIPS – INSPIRED BY BRAC ISLAND’S GRILL GARDEN, CROATIA

I brought back a brilliant idea from Brac Island, Croatia. At Grill Garden restaurant, I spotted these stunning zucchini strips cooked in an open kitchen. Every dish featured or was garnished with these long, thin zucchini ribbons. They looked beautiful, brightening every plate, and tasted wonderfully aromatic and slightly crisp—but never raw. A perfect inspiration for home!

🕒 Prep Time: 30 min (including draining) + 1 hour resting

🍳 Cook Time: 30 seconds per side (per batch)
🍽️ Servings: 3-4 (as a side or garnish)

Ingredients

  • 2 small young zucchinis (dark green skin; choose the smallest and youngest to avoid tough seeds)
  • 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil + extra for brushing and drizzling
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 heaping tsp capers in vinegar (with some liquid)
  • Salt

Instructions

  1. Using a mandoline or vegetable slicer, cut zucchini lengthwise into very thin, even strips.
  2. Lay strips out on kitchen towels, sprinkle with salt, and let drain for 20 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Lightly brush zucchini strips with olive oil.
  4. Heat the widest pan you have until very hot.
  5. Place zucchini strips oil-side down in the pan without crowding. Cook for 30 seconds, then flip and cook another 30 seconds. Do not brown or fully cook them—just soften slightly to sweeten.
  6. Transfer cooked strips to a wide bowl or platter, layering and sprinkling lightly with salt as you go. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over them.
  7. When all zucchini strips are done, add remaining 5 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, and capers (with some of their vinegar liquid). Toss gently to coat.
  8. Let zucchini rest at room temperature for 1 hour before using. Store in the fridge and bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Add to salads or sandwiches
  • Use as a crunchy garnish for tartines, pasta, or pizza
  • Serve alongside grilled meats or seafood

💡 Tips

  • Use the thinnest possible slices for delicate texture.
  • Draining with salt removes excess moisture and intensifies flavor.
  • Brief cooking softens zucchini without losing crunch.
  • Retain some caper liquid for bright acidity.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Elevating everyday dishes with fresh texture
  • Mediterranean-inspired meals
  • Simple, elegant vegetable preparations

📝 Final Thoughts

These thin grilled zucchini strips bring vibrant color, subtle sweetness, and a satisfying crunch to any dish—an easy, beautiful way to upgrade your meals inspired by Croatian coastal flavors.