This Spanish Garlic Zucchini, known in Spain as Calabacin al Ajillo, is possibly one of the greatest zucchini dishes ever. It´s packed with flavor, easy to make and the zucchini has the most incredible texture.
You can serve this dish as a tapas appetizer or even as a side dish. It works great next to some classic Spanish potatoes and your favorite protein. Either way, this dish is so good, it will become your go-to zucchini dish.
The secret to giving the zucchini a great texture, is to season it with sea salt after you cut it and letting it sit for 30 minutes. This helps release some of the water in the zucchini. That way when you fry it, it doesn´t absorb as much oil and it keeps its incredible texture.
TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: You want to cut the zucchini into thick slices. I went for 1/2 inch which is about 1.25 cm. You don´t want to go any thinner. When you heat the pan to fry the zucchini, don´t add any fat into the pan. Just let it heat until it´s hot, then add the fat and the zucchini.
Key Ingredients & Cookware I used in this Recipe:
MY SWISS DIAMON FRYING PANS
EXTRA VIRGIN SPANISH OLIVE OIL
SPANISH SEA SALT
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Watch the Video Below on How to Make Spanish Garlic Zucchini
Spanish Garlic Zucchini | Calabacin al Ajillo Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 45 ml
- 2 zucchini
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley 15 grams
- sea salt & black pepper
Instructions
-
Cut 2 zucchinis (washed & patted dry) into thick rounds that are 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick, season the zucchini rounds with sea salt on both sides, then add to a colander, let them rest for 30 minutes
-
Meanwhile, roughly chop 6 cloves garlic and add to a mortar, roughly chop 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh parsley and add to the mortar, season with a little sea salt and using a pestle pound down until well combined, set aside
-
After 30 minutes, transfer the zucchini slices into some paper towels (in a single layer) and pat completely dry, season with black pepper just on one side
-
Heat a fry pan with a medium-high heat, after 3 minutes add in 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil and start adding the slices of zucchini, in a single layer, so cook in batches, after 2 1/2 minutes flip the slices of zucchini to fry the other side, after a total cooking time of 5 minutes, remove the zucchini from the pan and transfer into a dish with paper towels, continue to cook in batches until done
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Once all the zucchini is done, transfer to a serving dish, then using the same pan, lower the fire to a low-medium heat, add in 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil and the garlic & parsley mixture, mix and cook for 25 to 30 seconds, then eveny spread the garlic & parsley mixture over the zucchini, enjoy!
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Niceynice
13 . Aug . 2024Don’t want a video. Don’t want endless chat and distraction. Just want to print the recipe. So sadly not cooking it.
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25 . Jun . 2023Guttersnipe
19 . Jun . 2023New showstopper for me. Thank you. I just use a nonstick to char the squash, no oil required on this step. Mmmmmmm.
Spain on a Fork
Glad you enjoyed it! Much love 🙂
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06 . May . 2023jean
30 . Aug . 2022will definitely try this soon! would like to take to sister’s for dinner what would be best way to transport so it doesn’t lose it’s integrity she lives about an hour away?
Spain on a Fork
All of them in a single layer so they don´t get mushy 🙂 much love
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21 . Aug . 2022Jane
Soooo delicious!!! Where are the white oval platers from?
13 . Aug . 2022Spain on a Fork
Got them at Ikea! Much love 🙂
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28 . Jul . 2022Harold
04 . Jul . 2022My wife told me that she doesn’t like zucchini, but I told her that I wanted to try this recipe. After tasting it, she said we can put it into our bi-weekly rotation. Gotta say…this is really tasty and easy to make.
Spain on a Fork
I am so happy to hear that! Thanks for the comment Harold 🙂 Much love
05 . Jul . 2022Rachel
29 . Jun . 2022I made this for dinner tonight. My husband doesn’t like zucchini much and he liked it! Thank you for the wonderful recipe and youtube video.
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Thanks for the comment 🙂 Much love
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12 . Apr . 2022Johanna
What woul work as a substitute to parsley? Thanks
31 . Dec . 2021Spain on a Fork
You can use any herb you like, such as basil or chives 🙂 much love
31 . Dec . 2021Tiffany
07 . Oct . 2021Holy Calabacin al Ajillo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is the ABSOLUTE BEST zucchini dish I have ever had! Perfectly seasoned, garlicky, sweet yet no sugar added, firm zucchini. I ate the entire amount in one sitting….I just couldn’t stop. Good thing I only cook for one!
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
07 . Oct . 2021Roger R. Lloyd
19 . Sep . 2021Can’t add the extra salt, (low sodium diet) But, I love my zucchini and was able to let them sit on a couple paper towels and patted them on top. I was amazed how well they cooked up.
Thanks once again, for some inspired cooking 🔪.
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
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02 . Aug . 2021Jason
28 . Jul . 2021Wow! This recipe was utterly fantastic. Even my kids, who resist zucchini in any form said it was fantastic. This dish along with your patatas bravas were complete wins!
Spain on a Fork
I am so happy to hear that! thanks for the comment 🙂 much love
30 . Jul . 2021Бекки Джин
Outstanding in flavor and simplicity! Thanks for sharing!
I didn’t have fresh parsley, but I had fresh basil, so I subbed that. Looking forward to trying it with the parsley one day. 😉
18 . Jul . 2021Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
19 . Jul . 2021Debbie
I shy away from eating and cooking zucchini as it’s always soggy. You explained so well why that happens. I made it last night and it is everything you described. Easy to make! Can’t wait to try more of your recipes!
16 . Jul . 2021Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
17 . Jul . 2021Chit
Zucchini was so good! Superb! Never
13 . Jul . 2021Again will I have it any other way! Thank you. I am
Enjoying your recipes in utube! Stumbled upon it only 3days ago…am so excited to try them all! May you be inspired!
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Thanks for the comment 🙂 much love
13 . Jul . 2021Joan
I’m going to make this tonight for an appetizer. I would love to make it in my air fryer instead of on the stove. What do you think?
06 . Jul . 2021Spain on a Fork
I am sure it will work, as long as you follow the recipe by removing the water from the zucchini 🙂 much love
07 . Jul . 2021Julie
“Season with black pepper just on one side.” Does it matter which side you fry first?
06 . Jul . 2021Spain on a Fork
I always fry on the seasoned side first, but you can go either way 🙂 much love
07 . Jul . 2021BN
04 . Jul . 2021I saw this on your YouTube channel yesterday, and I can’t wait to make this. I was looking for something different and this had my mouth watering!
Spain on a Fork
Hope you enjoy! Much love 🙂
04 . Jul . 2021SK
This looks amazing; can’t wait to try it. I am not a big fan of parsley – do you think any other herbs would work?
03 . Jul . 2021Spain on a Fork
You can use any herb you like, such as oregano or cilantro 🙂 much love
04 . Jul . 2021Melanie
29 . Jun . 2021Made these for dinner tonight, they were amazing! Thank you!
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
30 . Jun . 2021Steve Pain
20 . Jun . 2021What a superb recipe! I came across it yesterday afternoon and tried it as a side dish to our evening meal. These were the best courgettes I’ve ever cooked. Fab taste and texture. I can’t wait to explore some of the other brilliant recipes Albert has on his website. Thanks Albert!
Spain on a Fork
I am so happy to hear that Steve! Thanks for the comment ? much love
20 . Jun . 2021Andy
20 . Jun . 2021made this 3 or 4 times now, and whatever i serve it with.. the Zucchini is the star on the plate.
Spain on a Fork
I am so happy to hear that! Thanks for the comment 🙂 much love
20 . Jun . 2021Edgar Roca
Made this with my wife. Resounding success!!! Actually doubled the recipe without any problems. Served as side dish with crab cakes; perfect combination!
19 . Jun . 2021Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
20 . Jun . 2021nancy law
Lovely recipe and it turned out great! I sprinkled toasted chopped macadamia nuts on top of everything at the end. My husband told me it made the dish.
09 . Jun . 2021Mayo
Quick question.. if I don’t have extra virgin olive oil on hand could avocado oil ? be used instead? Thanks for sharing your recipes as well as your videos with the rest of the world…? ? ??
06 . Jun . 2021Spain on a Fork
Yes, you can use any oil you like 🙂 much love!
06 . Jun . 2021Cynthia Garofalo
06 . Jun . 2021Excellent! Followed your instructions and they came out perfect. Thanks!
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that Cynthia! Much love 🙂
06 . Jun . 2021HELEN C WELCH
I so enjoyed your explanation of why the dish is prepared and cooked in this particular way. Thank you.
03 . Jun . 2021Spain on a Fork
Thanks for the comment 🙂 much love
03 . Jun . 2021laurelie campeau
02 . Jun . 2021Tasty to make and it was utterly delicious!
Gail N
Haven’t made it yet but enjoy seeing the responses. I see someone asked about taking for potluck. What about taking to family gathering/cookout? Could you make it ahead and wrap it up when cooled, then if you wanted it warm stick it in the packet on the grill just for a bit to get it somewhat warm, or would that mess up the texture that was worked so hard to get? I guess it could be taken at room temperature.
27 . May . 2021Spain on a Fork
If you where to slightly heat them up it will be fine, you just don´t want to heat for too long, otherwise the texture will change 🙂 much love
27 . May . 2021Juliet
19 . May . 2021Oh my goodness! Love!!!!! Thanks!
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! much love 🙂
19 . May . 2021F Marie Haulenbeek
17 . May . 2021Loved this. It reminded me of my favorite Spanish restaurant. The zucchini was a great texture done this way. It did not get soggy. The herb and garlic infused it with so much flavor. Easy to follow recipe. Thanks for sharing it.
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
18 . May . 2021Teregram
Would like to make this tomorrow and bring to a pot luck. Can it be made in advance?
14 . May . 2021Spain on a Fork
Yes it can be made in advance, as you can serve this zucchini either warm or cold 🙂 much love
14 . May . 2021Garry Henkel
Made this last night — fantastic and so easy to make!
13 . May . 2021Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love 🙂
14 . May . 2021Elliot Fisch
This was fantastic. Easy recipe. Didn’t have mortar and pestle so I used a flat meat tenderizer and covered garlic and parsley with wax paper.
I had leftovers so I cut slices into quarters and tossed them with some pasta and a touch of oil! So delicious.
Thanks
11 . May . 2021Spain on a Fork
So happy you enjoyed the dish! much love 🙂
11 . May . 2021Diane
27 . Apr . 2021Followed your instructions exactly. Result was absolutely delicious. The texture and the flavor were perfection. Easy to prepare in very little time. Thank you so much for this recipe. I will be making this regularly.
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! Much love Diane 🙂
30 . Apr . 2021Melissa
20 . Apr . 2021Made this today and it won‘t be the last time. So simple but really tasty and the zucchini had such a nice texture. Thanks! ?
Spain on a Fork
So happy to hear that! thanks for the comment 🙂 much love
20 . Apr . 2021Ramya
will be making this soon i never had spanish garlic zucchini before perfect for my office snacks will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
07 . Apr . 2021Spain on a Fork
Sounds great Ramya! thanks for the comment 🙂 much love
07 . Apr . 2021