Coconut Aminos-Braised Zucchini and Tomatoes
A vibrant, low-carb vegetable dish with sweet tomatoes and savory coconut aminos, ideal for a light lunch or side. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 22 minutes pairs (canned, no salt added) diced tomatoes, coconut aminos, (chopped) fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 95 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds) zucchini
- 1 cup (canned, no salt added) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp (chopped) fresh basil
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini slices and cook for 4 minutes until edges soften, flipping once halfway through.
- Step 2: Add diced tomatoes, coconut aminos, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender and sauce has reduced by half and coats the vegetables.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, and let sit for 2 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Coconut Aminos-Braised Zucchini and Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (8 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Coconut Aminos-Braised Zucchini and Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut aminos from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Aminos-Braised Zucchini and Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Coconut Aminos-Braised Zucchini and Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Coconut Aminos-Braised Zucchini and Tomatoes?
Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.