Best 2 Chef Johns Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipes
If you're looking for a fun and easy way to enjoy your favorite Mexican flavors, look no further than these taco-stuffed zucchini boats. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, with juicy ground beef, flavorful taco seasoning, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all nestled in a tender zucchini boat. But that's not all - this article also includes two other delicious recipes for stuffed zucchini boats: one with Italian sausage and spinach, and another with a vegetarian filling of quinoa, black beans, and corn. With three tasty recipes to choose from, you're sure to find a stuffed zucchini boat that will satisfy your cravings.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and happy. These taco-stuffed zucchini boats are not only delicious, but they're also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking!
CHEF JOHN'S TACO-STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS
Zucchini is not very exciting, interesting, or fun to eat, which is basically the opposite of a taco. But what we're going to do here is use the same filling used to make tacos to stuff zucchini and turn something that's generally unremarkable into something that is incredibly remarkable. This isn't some kind of low-carb substitute gimmick--these really were amazing. Serve topped with diced tomato, green onions, sour cream, and cilantro, or any toppings you prefer.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Main Dish Recipes Stuffed Main Dish Recipes Stuffed Zucchini Recipes
Time 1h25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Combine olive oil, onion, and ground beef in a skillet over high heat. Cook, stirring, until onion turns translucent and the beef is browned and broken up into very small pieces, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno pepper and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, chili powder, paprika, cayenne, cumin, dried oregano, cornmeal, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in tomato sauce and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to your desired texture, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Use a teaspoon or melon baller to scoop out about half the center of each zucchini to create a "boat." Sprinkle generously with remaining kosher salt and let sit, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner.
- Use a paper towel to blot any moisture that the salt draws out of the zucchini. Place boats on the prepared baking sheet and fill each one with as much taco meat mixture as will fit. Top evenly with pepper Jack cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is browned and the zucchini is just barely tender, about 20 minutes. Test for doneness with a sharp knife. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 263.3 calories, Carbohydrate 11.1 g, Cholesterol 62 mg, Fat 17.1 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 17.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 731.4 mg, Sugar 4.8 g
CHEF JOHN'S TACO-STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS
Zucchini is not very exciting, interesting, or fun to eat, which is basically the opposite of a taco. But what we're going to do here is use the same filling used to make tacos to stuff zucchini and turn something that's generally unremarkable into something that is incredibly remarkable. This isn't some kind of low-carb substitute gimmick--these really were amazing. Serve topped with diced tomato, green onions, sour cream, and cilantro, or any toppings you prefer.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Stuffed Zucchini
Time 1h25m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Combine olive oil, onion, and ground beef in a skillet over high heat. Cook, stirring, until onion turns translucent and the beef is browned and broken up into very small pieces, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeno pepper and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, chili powder, paprika, cayenne, cumin, dried oregano, cornmeal, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in tomato sauce and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to your desired texture, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Use a teaspoon or melon baller to scoop out about half the center of each zucchini to create a "boat." Sprinkle generously with remaining kosher salt and let sit, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner.
- Use a paper towel to blot any moisture that the salt draws out of the zucchini. Place boats on the prepared baking sheet and fill each one with as much taco meat mixture as will fit. Top evenly with pepper Jack cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is browned and the zucchini is just barely tender, about 20 minutes. Test for doneness with a sharp knife. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 263.3 calories, Carbohydrate 11.1 g, Cholesterol 62 mg, Fat 17.1 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 17.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 731.4 mg, Sugar 4.8 g
Tips:
- Choose firm, medium-sized zucchini for the boats. They should be about the same size so that they cook evenly.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully scoop out the zucchini flesh, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with the filling. You can use any type of ground meat, vegetables, or cheese that you like.
- Be sure to cook the filling until it is cooked through before stuffing the zucchini boats.
- Top the zucchini boats with shredded cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the zucchini boats immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or sour cream.
Conclusion:
Chef John's Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try!
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