Savory Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp
Super Easy & Flavorful Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp Side Dish
Introducing a super simple yet incredibly delicious stir-fried zucchini with salted shrimp (saeujeot)! This side dish is perfect for when you have a lack of appetite, thanks to the natural sweetness of zucchini combined with the deep umami from the salted shrimp. It’s so easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for any time. This popular banchan is sure to make you devour a bowl of rice in no time! The delightful sweetness of zucchini and the savory flavor of saeujeot create a perfect culinary harmony. Let’s make it together!
Key Ingredients
- 1 medium Zucchini
- 1/2 medium Onion
- 1/2 Tbsp Salted Shrimp (Saeujeot)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 shot glass Water (approx. 40ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by washing and preparing all your ingredients. Slice the zucchini and onion for easy stir-frying.
Step 2
Cut the washed zucchini into half-moon shapes, about 0.5cm thick. Slicing them to this thickness will prevent them from breaking apart too much during cooking.
Step 3
Peel and thinly slice the onion into strips, approximately 0.5cm thick. Avoid slicing too thinly, as they can become mushy quickly when cooked.
Step 4
Heat a pan over high heat with 3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Sautéing the garlic well will enhance the overall flavor.
Step 5
Add the prepared zucchini to the pan with the fragrant garlic, then reduce the heat to medium. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the zucchini starts to turn slightly translucent. Be careful not to overcook, as the zucchini can become too soft.
Step 6
Once the zucchini is partially cooked, add 1/2 shot glass of water (approximately 40ml). A little moisture will help the zucchini cook evenly and meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 7
Continue to cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes, allowing the water to reduce and the zucchini to become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 8
Add the sliced onion to the pan. Onions cook quickly, so it’s best to add them after the zucchini has had a head start.
Step 9
Now, add the star ingredient for flavor: 1/2 tablespoon of salted shrimp (saeujeot). It’s best to add both the shrimp and a little of their brine for seasoning. Finally, turn the heat up to high and stir-fry rapidly for about 1 minute until everything is well combined. Adjust the amount of salted shrimp to your taste preference.
Step 10
Once everything is nicely stir-fried, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a beautiful garnish. Your delicious stir-fried zucchini with salted shrimp is now ready to be enjoyed with a warm bowl of rice!
