Savory Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp
Simple Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe Inspired by ‘Soomi’s Side Dishes’
I recently had a craving for some fluffy, stir-fried zucchini, reminiscent of how my mother used to make it with salted shrimp. Inspired by that comforting taste, I decided to recreate it using a recipe from ‘Soomi’s Side Dishes.’ This dish is wonderfully simple and packed with flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 medium zucchini
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot)
Seasonings & Others- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 200ml water
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 200ml water
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely mince 6 cloves of garlic. The pungent aroma of garlic will add a deep flavor to the stir-fried zucchini.
Step 2
Wash the zucchini, trim off the ends, and slice it into half-moon shapes about 0.5 cm thick. While ‘Soomi’s Side Dishes’ used a different type of squash, using zucchini yields a similarly delicious result.
Step 3
Place the sliced zucchini into a preheated pan. Add all the minced garlic and stir-fry them together until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 4
Now, add 1 tablespoon of salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) to enhance the umami of the zucchini. Saeujeot not only seasons the dish but also adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 5
Carefully pour in 200ml of water. This water will help the zucchini cook until tender and allow the seasonings to meld beautifully.
Step 6
Cover the pan with a lid and simmer over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes. The zucchini will start to turn translucent and soften.
Step 7
Remove the lid and stir in 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (gochugaru) for a touch of color and gentle heat. Now, increase the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 7 to 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate and the zucchini to absorb the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 8
Turn off the heat. Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds. The nutty aroma of sesame oil and the texture of the seeds complete this delightful zucchini stir-fry. Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice!
