Pan-Fried Zucchini Salad
Pan-Fried Zucchini Salad for a Golden Hue and Delicious Taste
This is a pan-fried zucchini salad. It’s a delightful dish where tender zucchini is lightly pan-fried until golden brown and then tossed with a savory seasoning blend. The slight crispness on the outside contrasts beautifully with the soft, yielding interior, creating a wonderful texture. It’s a perfect side dish that enhances any meal with its fresh, slightly sweet, and savory flavors. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 400ml water (for brining)
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse salt (for brining)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off both ends.
Step 2
Cut the trimmed zucchini in half lengthwise. This makes slicing easier.
Step 3
Now, slice the halved zucchini into pieces about 1 to 2 cm thick. Slicing them too thinly might cause them to break apart during cooking, so maintaining a moderate thickness is key.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine 400ml of water and 0.5 Tbsp of coarse salt, stirring well to create a brine. Soaking the zucchini in this brine for a short period will draw out excess moisture, resulting in a crisper texture.
Step 5
Add the sliced zucchini to the prepared brine and let it soak for about 30 seconds only. Avoid soaking for too long, as the zucchini can become mushy. Timing is crucial here.
Step 6
After 30 seconds, drain the zucchini from the brine and place it in a colander to remove as much water as possible. You can also gently pat it dry with paper towels.
Step 7
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Add the drained zucchini and pan-fry it, flipping occasionally, until it’s golden brown on both sides. The goal is to achieve a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Step 8
Once beautifully golden brown, carefully transfer the pan-fried zucchini to a serving dish once it has cooled slightly.
Step 9
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of gochugaru, 1 Tbsp of soy sauce, and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to the dish with the fried zucchini. Gently toss everything together until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Be careful not to mix too vigorously to prevent the zucchini from breaking apart. Your delicious pan-fried zucchini salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
