Shrimp Paste and Zucchini Stew: A Sweet and Refreshing Summer Delicacy
Perfect for a Lack of Appetite! The Fantastic Harmony of Sweet Zucchini and Savory Shrimp Paste, Shrimp Paste and Zucchini Stew
Zucchini is a beloved vegetable enjoyed year-round, and lately, it’s particularly sweet and delicious! Zucchini is known as a heat-fighting vegetable, becoming especially abundant in the summer. Today, we’re bringing you a recipe for ‘Shrimp Paste and Zucchini Stew’ that will awaken your appetite just by simmering it, capturing that wonderful sweetness. While it’s made with simple ingredients, its taste is anything but ordinary!
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1/2 onion
- 1 handful of dried shiitake mushroom slices (approx. 10-15g)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp salted shrimp (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Shrimp paste and zucchini stew is a truly charming dish that you’ll find yourself making more often because it uses such simple ingredients! First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice it into half-moon shapes about 0.5cm thick. Peel and thinly slice the onion as well.
Step 2
Heat 1 Tbsp of perilla oil in a pan and add the sliced onion. Sauté over medium-low heat until the onion becomes translucent and releases its sweet aroma. Sautéing the onion until this point will deepen the flavor of the broth.
Step 3
Once the onion has softened and become translucent, add the sliced zucchini and sauté briefly. It’s important to sauté the zucchini only lightly before it’s fully cooked so it retains its texture in the stew and doesn’t become mushy.
Step 4
Now, transfer the sautéed vegetables to a pot. Pour in 500ml (about 2.5 cups) of rice water or anchovy broth. Using broth instead of plain water will result in a much richer and more flavorful stew. Add the handful of dried shiitake mushroom slices directly. (You don’t need to soak them beforehand! Adding them to the simmering stew will rehydrate them sufficiently and impart a delicious broth.)
Step 5
Once the stew comes to a boil, continue cooking until the zucchini turns translucent. When the zucchini is almost cooked, season with salted shrimp. Don’t add all the salted shrimp at once; add it in 1/2 Tbsp increments and adjust the seasoning to your liking. The salty and savory flavor of salted shrimp is key to this stew’s taste, so adjusting it to your preference is crucial.
Step 6
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and mix well with the broth. Simmer for another moment until the garlic aroma infuses into the stew, then turn off the heat and enjoy. A warm and refreshing bowl of shrimp paste and zucchini stew on your dining table will surely make for a wonderful meal!
