Aromatic Stir-Fried Zucchini – The Golden Recipe
Delicious Stir-Fried Zucchini (Serves 2)
Today, let’s make a beloved Korean home-style dish: stir-fried zucchini! Because zucchini is best enjoyed fresh right after cooking, we’re making a simple portion for two. The natural sweetness of the zucchini combined with the savory umami from salted shrimp makes it a perfect side dish for rice. Follow along and try this delightful recipe!
Main Ingredients
- 1/3 medium zucchini
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 pinch of sugar
- 5 Tbsp water
- 1/2 Tbsp salted shrimp (mostly solids)
- 1/3 stalk green onion (julienned)
- A little sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Heat a frying pan over low heat. Add 2 Tbsp of cooking oil and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Gently sauté the garlic until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. This process creates garlic-infused oil, which will deepen the flavor of your zucchini stir-fry.
Step 2
Add the zucchini, sliced into half-moons, to the heated pan and stir-fry until it becomes slightly translucent. Once the zucchini is a bit tender, add the sliced onion and continue to stir-fry until the onion turns translucent. It’s best to cook over medium-low heat to prevent the zucchini from becoming too mushy and to maintain a slight crispness.
Step 3
Once the zucchini and onion are translucent, add 1 pinch of sugar to subtly enhance the sweetness. Stir gently to combine the sugar with the vegetables before proceeding.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the seasoning. Pour in 5 Tbsp of water and 1/2 Tbsp of salted shrimp (use mostly the solid parts, not the brine). Salted shrimp adds a wonderful umami flavor and helps to season the dish perfectly. Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld.
Step 5
Finally, add the julienned green onion (1/3 stalk). Stir-fry quickly over high heat for just a moment. The green onion adds a refreshing aromatic quality that elevates the zucchini stir-fry. Be careful not to overcook it, as you want to retain some of its crisp texture.
Step 6
Turn off the heat. Drizzle in a little sesame oil and stir gently to combine. The residual heat will bring out the fragrant aroma of the sesame oil, completing your delicious zucchini stir-fry.
Step 7
Transfer the finished stir-fried zucchini to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if desired for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy this delightful side dish with a bowl of warm rice!
