How to Grill Zucchini Like Japanese Restaurants

Grilled zucchini on a white plate

Marzia Giacobbe/iStock/Getty Images

Grilled zucchini -- the kind you find at a Japanese steak house -- makes a tender and flavorful side dish. The sesame seeds and soy sauce give the vegetables a robust flavor. Rich in potassium and calcium, grilled zucchini is a healthy and low-fat choice. Zucchini, sometimes called a courgette, is a popular summer squash. It pairs well with chicken or steak and is often served with rice in Japanese restaurants. For best results, grill the zucchini slices on a hot pan and don't overcook them, as they may become mushy.

Heat the sesame oil in a heavy skillet -- such as a cast-iron pan -- on medium to high heat.

Add the butter and soy sauce, then stir for 30 seconds until the butter is melted.

Add the zucchini and onions to the hot skillet.

Sprinkle the zucchini and onions with sesame seeds, salt and pepper.

Grill each side of the zucchini for approximately 3 minutes, for a total of 6 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned. Turn the vegetables with a spatula.