Why This Recipe Works

For dense, meltingly soft, and dramatically browned zucchini for two, we started by halving and scoring the cut surfaces of the squashes, rubbing them with salt, and briefly microwaving them. The salt and heat drew moisture from the flesh, and the slits provided escape routes for the water so that the surfaces were primed for browning. Cooking in a well-oiled cast-iron skillet encouraged rich browning; the metal held the heat really well, and the fat facilitated heat transfer between the pan and the food. Covering the skillet for most of the cooking time trapped moist heat that forced air out of the flesh and also dissolved its pectin, rendering the flesh fork-tender. A mixture of honey and hot sauce, microwaved to a glaze consistency, added sweetness with a bit of heat; sliced scallion brought fresh crunch and color.

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Before You Begin

We used Diamond Crystal kosher salt. If using Morton kosher salt, use only ¾ teaspoon. If desired, omit the honey, hot sauce, and scallion and serve with lemon wedges.

Instructions

Whisk honey and hot sauce together in 1-cup liquid measuring cup. Microwave until mixture comes to boil, 20 to 30 seconds. Continue to microwave, stirring every 15 seconds, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 30 seconds (sauce will continue to thicken as it cools).

Using sharp paring knife, score cut sides of zucchini diagonally, about ¼ inch deep, at ½-inch intervals. Turn zucchini 90 degrees and score again in opposite direction. Place scored zucchini halves close to each other, cut side up, on cutting board. Sprinkle salt evenly over halves. Rub salt into cut sides until mostly dissolved.

Line large plate with double layer of paper towels. Place zucchini cut side down on paper towels and press gently. Microwave until zucchini has exuded water and is hot to touch, about 3 minutes. Cut each piece in half crosswise.

Spread oil over surface of cold 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Arrange zucchini cut side down in skillet and press to ensure that cut sides are flush with skillet surface (reserve paper towel–lined plate). Cover skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, rotating skillet one-quarter turn every 2 minutes, until cut sides are deeply browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

Slide skillet off heat. Uncover and turn zucchini cut side up. Return to medium-high heat and continue to cook, uncovered, until paring knife meets little to no resistance when slipped into center of squash, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Transfer zucchini cut side up to reserved paper towel–lined plate to drain for 5 minutes.

Transfer zucchini cut side up to platter. Drizzle with honey mixture, sprinkle with scallion, and serve.