Soft and Delicious Braised Zucchini with Soy Sauce
Super Easy Pan-Fried Zucchini Braised in Soy Sauce: A Perfect Side Dish!
Have some zucchini in your fridge you don’t want to waste? Introducing a magical braised zucchini recipe that will have you finishing your rice bowl in no time! The soft texture and the harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors are exquisite. It’s so simple to make, you can whip it up quickly even on busy days. It’s the best side dish for rice, and kids will love this special soy-braised zucchini too! Make it right now!
Main Ingredients- 1/2 medium zucchini
Flavorful Sauce- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 stalk green onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 stalk green onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and pat it dry. Then, slice it into half-moon or round shapes about 0.5 cm thick. Finely chop the green onion. Prepping the vegetables like this makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Heat a pan with a little cooking oil and add the prepared zucchini slices. It’s best to cook over medium heat rather than high heat to prevent burning and ensure the zucchini becomes tender inside. Try to arrange the zucchini slices without overlapping them in the pan.
Step 3
While the zucchini is cooking, let’s make the delicious sauce! In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, the chopped green onion, 1 tablespoon of perilla oil, and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix well. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add 1 teaspoon of sugar at this stage for a richer flavor. For a clean sweetness, using rice syrup or corn syrup is also a great option.
Step 4
Sear the zucchini for about 3 minutes on each side over medium heat until lightly browned. This step helps to reduce the moisture content, improving the texture, and prepares the zucchini to absorb the sauce better. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
Step 5
Once the zucchini is nicely seared on both sides, push the slices to one side of the pan. Pour the prepared sauce directly over the zucchini. It’s best to have the sauce come into direct contact with the zucchini.
Step 6
Now, reduce the heat to low. Gently toss the zucchini to coat it evenly with the sauce. As the sauce simmers, it will thicken and give the zucchini a beautiful glaze. Since it can burn easily, cook slowly over low heat, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Step 7
When the sauce has reduced to a nice glaze and coated the zucchini beautifully, sprinkle with sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma. Your delicious braised zucchini with soy sauce, featuring a soft, sweet, and savory flavor, is now complete! Serve it over warm rice for a delightful meal.
