Easy Steamed Zucchini

The best zucchini are free of breaks, gashes and soft spots. They should feel heavy for their size and have glossy, unblemished skin. Smaller squash (under 8 inches) are sweeter and have fewer seeds.

1. Use a sharp knife to trim away the ends.

2. Slice the fruit crosswise into rounds.

Check out more ways to cut zucchini.

Steam zucchini in a steamer basket on the stove for 5 minutes. Opt for less time if you want to preserve more of their crispness.

If you don't have a steamer basket, there are other ways to steam zucchini. Check out our story on how to steam without a steamer.

Steamed zucchini is versatile. They can be their own side dish by simply tossing them in butter or olive oil, chopped fresh herbs or pesto. Salt and pepper enhance their flavor, as does a squeeze of lemon juice. You can cool and chop steamed zucchini and add them to a salad. Add steamed zucchini to casseroles, frittatas and pasta. Steaming zucchini is just one way to enjoy this vegetable. Check out more ways to cook zucchini here.

Additional reporting by Jan Valdez