Tender and Sweet Braised Zucchini
A Delicious and Healthy Summer Side Dish: Braised Zucchini Recipe
Make a delicious braised zucchini dish with fresh summer squash! While sautéed zucchini is also great, this tender braised version is a perfect side for rice. It offers a subtle sweetness and refreshing broth, making it a healthy and tasty side dish that also aids in summer detoxification.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 medium zucchini
- 1/2 purple onion
- 2 Korean green chilies (Cheongyang)
- 2 red chilies
- 1/2 green onion stalk
Seasoning & Other Ingredients- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1/2 cup rice water (approx. 100ml)
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1/2 cup rice water (approx. 100ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice it into 3cm pieces, about 1cm thick. Slice the purple onion into thick shreds. Slice the green and red chilies diagonally for spice and color, and also slice the green onion diagonally.
Step 2
Heat a pan, add 2 tablespoons of rice water, and stir-fry the prepared zucchini. Be careful not to overcook; just stir-fry until the zucchini slightly softens.
Step 3
When the zucchini is about 2/3 cooked, add the shredded purple onion and stir-fry together quickly until the onion becomes translucent. This helps the onion’s sweetness meld with the zucchini.
Step 4
Add 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes to the sautéed zucchini and onion, mix well, then pour in the remaining 1/2 cup of rice water. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir to dissolve the red pepper flakes in the water.
Step 5
As the zucchini begins to soften, season with 1 tablespoon of salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot). Add the liquid from the saeujeot gradually, tasting and adjusting as needed. Finally, add the diagonally sliced green onion and 1 tablespoon of perilla oil. Simmer over low heat until the broth is reduced to a desirable consistency.
Step 6
The braised zucchini, seasoned with saeujeot, offers a refreshing, clean, and deep flavor in its broth. It’s delicious mixed with rice or enjoyed simply as a side dish.
Step 7
Turn off the heat while the zucchini still retains a slight crispness, avoiding overcooking. Transfer the finished braised zucchini to a serving dish for a perfect homemade side.
Step 8
Made with seasonal zucchini, this braised dish is irresistibly delicious and satisfying. It makes for a hearty and enjoyable meal for the whole family.
