Recreate the Magic: Bone Fish Grill’s Beloved Sauteed Zucchini & Tomatoes
There are some restaurant dishes that simply capture your heart, becoming a cherished memory you long to recreate at home. For many, that special culinary delight was the “seasonal side” of Zucchini & Tomatoes once featured prominently at the popular Bone Fish Grill. This particular side dish wasn’t just an accompaniment; it was a vibrant celebration of summer’s freshest produce, offering a burst of flavor that perfectly complemented any meal. The harmonious blend of crisp-tender zucchini, juicy Roma tomatoes, and savory sweet onions, all gently sautéed in a rich emulsion of butter and olive oil, then finished with aromatic fresh basil and a generous dusting of shredded Parmesan cheese, created an undeniably perfect Italian-inspired side. It was a dish that epitomized simple elegance and fresh taste, leaving a lasting impression and making it an instant favorite.
The memory of that exquisite side dish from Bone Fish Grill stayed with me, prompting a mission to master its preparation in my own kitchen. After some experimentation, I developed this Zucchini and Tomatoes recipe, which has been a beloved staple on my website since 2014. It has since become a cherished family favorite and a go-to dish, especially as the bountiful summer months draw to a close. As the season transitions, it’s a familiar refrain to hear friends and family inquire, “Do you want any zucchini?” – a testament to the sheer abundance of this versatile squash.
Indeed, the end of summer marks a period when gardens and local farmer’s markets are literally overflowing with fresh zucchini. There’s even a humorous, unofficial holiday known as “Sneak a Zucchini on your Neighbor’s Porch Day” on August 8th, perfectly illustrating the sheer volume of zucchini that often graces our kitchens during peak season. This delightful abundance presents a wonderful opportunity for creative cooking, and I’m always eager to discover new and delicious ways to incorporate this healthy squash into our meals. This particular recipe offers a fantastic, flavorful solution for utilizing that summer surplus.
Beyond its delicious taste and ease of preparation, this sautéed zucchini and tomatoes recipe boasts an impressive nutritional profile, making it a stellar choice for health-conscious diners. It’s not only Keto-friendly and low-carb, but also remarkably low in calories, providing a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Each serving also packs a healthy punch with 2 grams of fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. This makes it an ideal side dish for a variety of dietary preferences, from those actively managing their carbohydrate intake to anyone simply seeking lighter, more wholesome meal options. You can find the complete nutritional breakdown, including precise calorie and macronutrient counts, within the detailed recipe card at the conclusion of this article.
Unlock the Flavors: Essential Ingredients for Sauteed Zucchini & Tomatoes
Crafting this exquisite side dish requires just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients and straightforward seasonings. The beauty lies in the simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to truly shine. For precise measurements and detailed cooking steps, please refer to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.
- Green Zucchini: When selecting zucchini for this recipe, I typically opt for smaller to medium-sized green zucchinis. These tend to have a firmer texture, fewer seeds, and a more concentrated flavor, making them ideal for sautéing. Larger zucchinis, while perfectly edible, often have a higher water content and larger seeds, making them better suited for grating into baked goods like zucchini bread.
- Tomatoes: The key here is ripeness. Any variety of ripe tomatoes will work beautifully, so choose what’s freshest and most appealing at your market. Roma tomatoes are a classic choice for their firm flesh and intense flavor. Vine-ripened tomatoes offer a lovely sweetness, and even sweet cherry tomatoes, halved, can add a delightful pop of color and juiciness to the dish. The riper they are, the more vibrant the flavor of your finished dish will be.
- Sweet Onion: A small sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, is my preferred choice for this recipe. Its mild, less pungent flavor caramelizes beautifully when sautéed, adding a delicate sweetness that enhances the overall profile of the dish without overpowering the vegetables. If a sweet onion isn’t available, a regular yellow onion can be used, though the flavor will be slightly sharper.
- Olive Oil and Butter: This classic combination provides the perfect foundation for sautéing. The olive oil offers a fruity, robust flavor and helps prevent the butter from burning at higher temperatures, while the butter adds a rich, luscious depth and helps brown the vegetables beautifully. Using both creates a wonderful mouthfeel and flavor complexity.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend grating your own fresh Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect both the melt and the taste. Freshly grated Parmesan delivers a sharper, nuttier, and more authentic Italian flavor that truly elevates the dish.
- Fresh Basil: This is a non-negotiable for that authentic, bright Italian essence! While dried basil can be substituted in a pinch, nothing compares to the vibrant aroma and delicate flavor of fresh basil leaves. Chop them just before adding to preserve their freshness and bright green color.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple yet essential. These seasonings are crucial for bringing out and balancing the natural flavors of the vegetables. Always season to taste, adjusting as needed after the vegetables have cooked down slightly. Freshly ground black pepper offers a superior aroma and flavor compared to pre-ground varieties.
Effortless Cooking: How to Make Sauteed Zucchini & Tomatoes
One of the most appealing aspects of this incredible side dish is its simplicity. It’s all prepared right in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor! Who doesn’t appreciate fewer dishes to wash after a delicious meal? Follow these straightforward steps to bring this Bone Fish Grill copycat recipe to life in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Prep Your Skillet
Begin by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to warm up for a minute or two before adding the butter and olive oil. The combination of both helps to achieve a lovely golden-brown sear on your vegetables while preventing the butter from burning too quickly. Ensure the butter is fully melted and the oil is shimmering before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Once your skillet is hot and the fats are ready, add your prepared zucchini slices, diced onion, and large-diced tomatoes to the pan. Spread them out evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Sauté the vegetables for approximately 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to cook them until the zucchini reaches your desired level of tenderness – some prefer a slight bite, while others enjoy a softer consistency. The onions should become translucent and slightly sweet, and the tomatoes will begin to release their juices, creating a flavorful base.
Continue to cook, checking for tenderness, until the zucchini is exactly how you like it – from al dente with a slight crunch to perfectly tender and yielding.
Step 3: Season and Combine
Once the vegetables have reached their perfect tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat. This step is crucial for preserving the fresh flavor and vibrant color of the basil. Add the freshly chopped basil, along with salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste. Stir everything gently to combine, allowing the warmth of the vegetables to release the aromatic oils from the basil, infusing the entire dish with its distinctive flavor.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Carefully transfer the delicious sautéed zucchini and tomatoes into a beautiful serving dish. This is where the dish truly comes alive! Generously top with your freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat from the vegetables will gently warm the cheese, allowing it to slightly melt and release its savory aroma. For an extra touch of elegance, you can garnish with a few more fresh basil leaves.
Step 5: Enjoy Hot!
Serve this incredible side dish hot, ensuring the flavors are at their peak. For those who adore cheese, don’t hesitate to offer additional Parmesan at the table for guests to add to their liking. A simple yet impactful tip: for an even more rustic and fuss-free presentation, you can skip the serving dish entirely and serve it directly from the hot skillet! This retains more heat and adds to the homemade charm.
Love this Recipe? Pin it for Later!
Don’t let this fantastic and easy side dish recipe get lost in the shuffle! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever you need a quick, healthy, and delicious meal idea. It’s perfect for meal planning or those last-minute dinner dilemmas!
Beyond the Skillet: More Zucchini & Tomato Recipes to Savor
If you’re fortunate enough to have a garden overflowing with zucchini – or perhaps you have a wonderfully generous neighbor who frequently shares their bounty – you’ll be delighted by these additional delicious ways to utilize this versatile vegetable. Explore these fantastic recipes, ranging from savory snacks to comforting desserts, ensuring no zucchini goes to waste:
- Italian Style Baked Zucchini Chips (pictured above): A crispy, flavorful alternative to potato chips, these baked zucchini chips are a healthy and addictive snack or side.
- Grandma’s Zucchini Bread: A timeless classic, this moist and flavorful bread is the perfect way to use up larger zucchinis, offering a comforting treat for any time of day.
- Taco Zucchini Boats: Turn zucchini into a hearty main course with these fun and customizable taco-filled zucchini boats, perfect for a family dinner.
- Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups: A lighter, low-carb twist on traditional lasagna, these roll-ups swap pasta for thinly sliced zucchini, delivering all the cheesy, saucy goodness without the heavy carbs.
- Frosted Zucchini Brownies: Surprisingly delicious, these decadent brownies secretly incorporate zucchini for added moisture and nutrients, making them a delightful treat for both kids and adults.
- Pumpkin Zucchini Streusel Bread: A delightful fusion of fall flavors and summer produce, this bread features a crunchy streusel topping and is perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon tea.
There’s immense satisfaction in bringing your favorite restaurant dishes right into your own kitchen. Copycat recipes, like this stunning Zucchini & Tomatoes inspired by Bone Fish Grill, allow you to enjoy those cherished flavors whenever the craving strikes, often with the added benefit of fresh, homemade ingredients. Be sure to explore our extensive collection of Restaurant Copycat Recipes for more culinary adventures before you leave!
And for those who, like us, revel in cooking with the season’s freshest tomatoes, we have a bounty of delightful recipes to share. Enhance your summer cooking with these vibrant and flavorful tomato-centric dishes: try our crisp Fresh Pico de Gallo, the elegant and simple Caprese Salad, or the comforting and creamy BLT Pasta Salad. Each recipe highlights the incredible versatility and taste of fresh tomatoes.
This sautéed zucchini and tomatoes recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Your entire family is sure to enjoy this healthy, quick, and utterly delicious vegetable side dish!
Here is the full recipe for your convenience:
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Print Recipe
Zucchini & Tomatoes
Equipment
- Cuisinart Boxed Grater
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- OXO 3- Piece Wooden Spoon Set
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
Ingredients
- 2 small green zucchini halved length wise and sliced into half-moons
- 2 medium tomatoes diced in large pieces
- 1 small sweet onion diced in large pieces
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 4 Tablespoons fresh Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh basil chopped
- Fresh cracked black pepper and salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and heat oil.
- Add zucchini, onion and tomatoes, and sautè for about 5-8 minutes, or until veggies are desired tenderness.
- Add basil, salt and pepper, stir.
- Pour into a serving dish. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, with more cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on July 21, 2014. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on August 8, 2022.