Grilled Zucchini Salad with Savory Seasoning
Sweet and Tender Grilled Zucchini Salad: A Delicious Side Dish
Zucchini is delicious, but round zucchini is particularly sweet and flavorful these days, so I make it often. It’s great grilled and dipped in seasoning, but I also like to lightly toss it with seasoning for a tender, subtly sweet, and crisp side dish that pairs perfectly with rice. This grilled zucchini salad is a delightful way to enjoy zucchini!
Main Ingredients- 1 round zucchini
- Cooking oil
Seasoning Sauce- 1 Tbsp Korean soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- A little chopped green onion
- A little green chili pepper (seeds removed, chopped)
- A little red chili pepper (seeds removed, chopped)
- 1 Tbsp Korean soy sauce (Guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- A little chopped green onion
- A little green chili pepper (seeds removed, chopped)
- A little red chili pepper (seeds removed, chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the round zucchini thoroughly under running water and trim off the ends. Cut it lengthwise into two halves, then slice it crosswise into pieces about 0.5 cm thick, creating a half-moon shape. If the zucchini is very large, you can cut each half-moon piece in half again to create a fan shape, which helps the seasoning penetrate better.
Step 2
Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Place the sliced zucchini in the pan and grill until lightly browned and tender on both sides. You’ll know it’s ready when the zucchini becomes slightly translucent and soft.
Step 3
You can certainly enjoy the grilled zucchini as is, simply dipping it into the seasoning sauce. However, today, we’re going to elevate it a bit further by lightly tossing it with the seasoning for a wonderfully tender and flavorful side dish.
Step 4
To add a touch of spice, prepare the green chili pepper. Slice it in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and then finely chop it. Finely chop the red chili pepper as well; this adds a lovely color. Chop the green onion finely too.
Step 5
Let’s make the seasoning sauce. Using Korean soy sauce (Guk-ganjang) results in a clean and deep flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the zucchini. If you don’t have Guk-ganjang, regular soy sauce or dark soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
Step 6
Place the grilled zucchini into a mixing bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients except for the sesame oil: Korean soy sauce, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onion, red chili pepper, and green chili pepper.
Step 7
Now, gently toss everything together with your hands until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Be careful not to mash the zucchini, as it can become mushy. Mix gently to coat all the pieces. Finally, drizzle with the sesame oil for an extra layer of nutty aroma and richness. If you prefer a lighter, cleaner taste, you can omit the sesame oil. Adjust according to your preference.
Step 8
And there you have it – a beautifully golden grilled zucchini salad! The exterior is lightly grilled, while the inside remains tender and infused with the delicious seasoning. It’s wonderful as a simple grilled dish, but as a salad, it offers a different, equally delightful charm. Enjoy this fantastic zucchini side dish!
