Chewy Clam and Zucchini Stir-fry: Simple and Delicious Homemade Side Dish
Quick and Flavorful Clam and Zucchini Stir-fry Recipe Using Fresh Market Ingredients
I made a super quick homemade side dish using fresh clams and zucchini that my mother bought! This clam and zucchini stir-fry recipe is perfect for busy days, as it uses market-fresh ingredients and comes together in no time without needing a grocery run. Time is gold! Even on busy days, you can create a bountiful table with just one delicious side dish. This stir-fry, which uses chewy clams instead of shrimp for a fantastic flavor, is ready to be made right now!
Main Ingredients- 1 zucchini
- 1/2 onion
- 1 red chili pepper
- 200g shelled clams
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the 1/2 onion and slice it thinly into approximately 0.3cm strips. Slicing them thinly will prevent them from taking too long to cook, which is key for a good texture.
Step 2
Cut the 1 red chili pepper in half, remove the seeds, and then slice it to a thickness of about 0.3cm, similar to the onion. This adds a lovely touch of color to the dish.
Step 3
Wash the 1 zucchini thoroughly, trim off the ends, slice it in half lengthwise, and then cut it into 0.5cm thick half-moon shapes. Avoid slicing it too thinly, as it might fall apart during stir-frying. Aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 4
Heat a preheated pan with 3 Tbsp of cooking oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and stir-fry slowly. Be careful not to burn the garlic; cooking it until it releases a gentle aroma is a secret to its delicious flavor.
Step 5
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the prepared onion, zucchini, 200g of shelled clams, and the red chili pepper to the pan. Stir-fry everything together. Add 1 Tbsp of salted shrimp (saeujeot) at this stage to enhance the savory umami flavor. Including a little of the salted shrimp liquid will help the flavors meld beautifully and create a deeper taste.
Step 6
When all the ingredients are cooked to a perfect tender-crisp, reduce the heat slightly and drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil to add a nutty aroma. Adding sesame oil too early can cause its fragrance to dissipate, so it’s best added towards the end.
Step 7
As the sesame oil begins to release its fragrant aroma, turn off the heat. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the top to finish. This delicious clam and zucchini stir-fry, with its chewy clams and crisp zucchini, is sure to make you finish your rice in no time!
