Crispy Stir-Fried Zucchini: A Refreshing Summer Side Dish
The Ultimate Summer Side Dish! A Delicious Stir-Fried Zucchini Recipe with Korean Zucchini (Hobak). #Durimoon #HobakBokkeum #SummerSideDish #EasyRecipe #Homemade
Introducing a delightful summer side dish that’s perfect for beating the heat! This stir-fried zucchini is made with Korean zucchini, boasting a wonderful sweetness and a satisfyingly crisp texture. It’s an absolute rice thief!
Main Ingredients- 0.5 Korean Zucchini (Hobak) – choose a sweet and firm variety
- 1 small Onion
- 2 Korean Chili Peppers (seeds loosely removed)
- 0.5 Bell Pepper (choose a colorful one)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our dish: half a Korean zucchini. These ‘mattdol’ zucchini varieties are known for their natural sweetness and firm texture, making them ideal for stir-frying. Ensure your zucchini is fresh before starting.
Step 2
Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice it into thick pieces, about 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) thick. Slicing them too thinly can cause them to become mushy when cooked, so aim for a substantial bite.
Step 3
Place the sliced zucchini in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of fermented shrimp (saeujeot). Gently toss to coat and let it salt for about 10 minutes. This salting process draws out excess moisture, preventing the zucchini from becoming watery and ensuring a firm, crisp texture. It also infuses a wonderful savory depth.
Step 4
While the zucchini is salting, prepare the other vegetables. Thinly slice the small onion. Deseed the Korean chili peppers and chop them finely. Cut the bell pepper into thick slices, similar in size to the zucchini. You can adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your spice preference.
Step 5
After 10 minutes, lightly squeeze out any excess liquid from the salted zucchini and place it in a preheated pan over medium-high heat. Start stir-frying.
Step 6
Add the sliced onion, chopped chili peppers, and bell pepper to the pan with the zucchini. These colorful vegetables will add both visual appeal and layers of flavor to the dish.
Step 7
Add 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir everything together well and stir-fry for about 1 minute. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tiny splash of water to help it cook evenly.
Step 8
Cover the pan with a lid and continue to cook over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Covering helps the zucchini cook through and become tender while retaining moisture.
Step 9
The zucchini is perfectly cooked when it’s tender yet still retains a pleasant ‘bite’ or crispness. Turn off the heat. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become too soft and lose its texture.
Step 10
Now, it’s time to adjust the seasoning. I added 1 tablespoon of anchovy sauce for an extra umami boost. Since the saeujeot already provided saltiness, taste and add more anchovy sauce as needed to suit your palate.
Step 11
And there you have it – a delicious, crispy stir-fried zucchini, a perfect summer side dish! It’s fantastic served alongside steamed rice, or even better when you ladle some broth or water over rice and mix in this flavorful zucchini. This dish is sure to make your summer meals more enjoyable.
Step 12
Enjoy your delicious homemade stir-fried zucchini! Thank you for cooking with me today. Have a wonderful day!
