Chewy and Delicious Stir-Fried Zucchini (Hobak Bokkeum)
Enjoy the Texture! Thickly Sliced Stir-Fried Zucchini
Running out of side dishes even after a recent grocery trip? It can feel like you’re always needing to restock! This time, I bought more snacks than side dishes, but still, how can there be so few vegetables available? Opening the vegetable drawer, I found three zucchinis. While I do enjoy zucchini, buying this many at once might be a bit much, haha! So, today’s menu is Stir-Fried Zucchini. We’ll be cutting it thick to really enjoy its satisfying chewiness!
Main Ingredients
- 1 Zucchini
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the zucchini. You can slice it thinly, but if you want to fully enjoy its chewy texture, slice it thickly, about 0.5 cm (or roughly 1/4 inch) thick. This way, the ‘crisp’ texture will remain, allowing you to savor the zucchini’s natural flavor even more. Slice the half onion into strips and thinly slice the red chili pepper for garnish and a hint of spice. The red chili adds visual appeal and a subtle kick.
Step 2
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the thickly sliced zucchini and stir-fry, ensuring it doesn’t stick to the pan. It’s best to cook over medium heat rather than high heat to prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy and to maintain its bite.
Step 3
Once the zucchini is halfway cooked and slightly translucent, add the sliced onion. Continue to stir-fry until the onion becomes tender and translucent. The onions will add sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the zucchini perfectly.
Step 4
Now it’s time for seasoning. While shrimp paste would add a wonderful umami flavor, if you don’t have it, try using anchovy fish sauce (3/4 Tbsp). Anchovy fish sauce can add a deep flavor not only to soups but also to stir-fries. Add plum syrup (1 Tbsp) for a touch of sweetness and shine. Finally, adjust the overall seasoning with a pinch of salt, to your taste. It’s always best to taste and add more salt if needed.
Step 5
Lastly, add the sliced red chili pepper and mix gently. Stir-fry for about 10 seconds just to combine the flavors. Turn off the heat and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and delightful finish. This delicious Stir-Fried Zucchini is now ready! It’s wonderful served over steamed rice as a main dish or enjoyed as a side dish.
