If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve likely come across the Thomas Keller viral zucchini. This dish has taken the internet by storm, capturing the attention of both home cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike. It’s even made it to his Masterclass courses.
But what makes this recipe so special? In this post, we’ll dive into why this zucchini dish has gone viral, what makes it so delicious, and why it’s about to become your favourite oven-roasted zucchini recipe.
What is the Viral Thomas Keller Zucchini Recipe?
The viral Thomas Keller zucchini recipe is more than just another way to cook a common vegetable. Keller, a world-renowned chef, known for his precision and mastery of French cuisine, brings a level of sophistication to a dish that many might have overlooked. This recipe showcases zucchini in a way that highlights its natural flavors while adding a touch of elegance that’s typical of Keller’s style.
Why This Recipe Went Viral
- Simplicity Meets Elegance: The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using just a few ingredients, Keller transforms zucchini into a dish that is not only easy to make but also impressive to serve. The minimalistic approach appeals to home cooks who want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: The way the zucchini is prepared and presented is nothing short of art. Sliced thinly and arranged beautifully, the dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. It’s no wonder that photos of this recipe have flooded social media, making it a visual sensation.
- Seasonal and Accessible: Zucchini is a summer staple, abundant in grocery stores and farmers’ markets during the season. The recipe’s timing aligns perfectly with peak zucchini availability, making it an accessible dish for everyone looking to use up their summer squash.
The Secret Behind the Recipe’s Success
At the heart of this recipe is Keller’s ability to elevate simple ingredients through technique. The zucchini is cooked to perfection—soft but not mushy, retaining a slight bite that keeps the texture interesting. The addition of herbs and seasoning is perfectly balanced, allowing the natural flavour of the zucchini to shine through without overwhelming it.
Keller’s method teaches an important lesson: sometimes, less is more. By focusing on the quality of the ingredients and the cooking technique, even a humble vegetable like zucchini can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Why You Should Try It
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe fits the bill. Its simplicity makes it versatile enough for any occasion.
- Healthy and Delicious: Zucchini is low in calories and packed with nutrients, making this dish not only delicious but also healthy. It’s a great way to enjoy your vegetables without feeling like you’re compromising on flavour.
- Impress Your Guests: If you’re looking to impress without a lot of fuss, this recipe is your ticket. Its beautiful presentation and sophisticated taste will leave your guests asking for seconds—and the recipe!
Tips and Reminders for Cooking the Thomas Keller Zucchini Recipe
- Use Fresh Zucchini: The fresher the zucchini, the better the dish will taste. Look for firm, glossy zucchini without any soft spots or blemishes.
- Slice Evenly: Take your time to slice the zucchini as evenly as possible. This ensures that they cook uniformly, which is key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Don’t Overcook: One of the secrets to this recipe is to cook the zucchini just until it’s tender. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture that won’t hold up as well in the dish.
- Experiment with Herbs: While Keller’s recipe may call for specific herbs, don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand. Fresh thyme, basil, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a new dimension to the dish.
How to Make the Thomas Keller Viral Zucchini Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 zucchini (courgettes)
- 60ml avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Score both pieces in a crosshatch pattern.
- Sprinkle salt on the scored side of the zucchini and leave to sit for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat the oven to 230°C/450°F.
- Bring an oven-safe pan to a medium high heat and add the oil. I use stainless steel but cast iron is also excellent. Also a note on the oil, I prefer not to use canola oil or rapeseed oil so use avocado oil, but as mentioned above olive oil is also great; don’t believe the stuff that olive oil shouldn’t be heated to a high heat. You can read about that here: Is Olive Oil Good for Cooking?
- Place the zucchini cut side down in the oil and sear for 5 minutes to brown and caramelise.
- Roast zucchini in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. In the video below I mention roasting for 4 minutes each side as I didn’t want to overcook the zucchini. But I’ve since found Keller’s intention is to have them incredibly soft. Just keep an eye on them from 15 minutes and make sure they don’t overcook and go mushy. They should have a few slightly crispy bits, especially around the edges.
- Remove the roasted zucchini from the oven and dab with more paper towel to remove excess oil.
- My favourite topping to make this a more substantial than a side dish or appetiser is to top with goat cheese, steamed tenderstem broccoli and crushed pistachios.
Notes
- Tenderstem broccoli is the UK name for broccolini.
- Feta is also a great substitute for the goat cheese.
- If you wanted to incorporate some fresh herbs into the goat cheese I’d go for some basil or a bit of mint.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
If you’re looking for something to serve this alongside, it would be really fantastic alongside this slow cooker chicken thigh recipe.
Related: 12 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Zucchini
The Thomas Keller viral zucchini recipe is a testament to how simplicity can often lead to the most impressive results in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of technique, you can create a dish that not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning on the plate. So why not give it a try? You might just discover a new favourite way to enjoy zucchini.
