Spicy Pork and Zucchini Stew to Awaken Your Appetite
You Won’t Need Any Other Side Dishes! The Golden Recipe for Pork and Zucchini Stew
Are you experiencing a loss of appetite as the weather gets warmer? I’ve made a simple stew with zucchini that will reignite your taste buds. This stew is so satisfying that you won’t need any other side dishes; it’s perfect for enjoying with a bowl of rice! The savory pork and tender zucchini create a harmonious flavor that makes it a complete meal on its own. Prepare this delicious stew that will surely impress everyone at your table!
Stew Ingredients- 1 zucchini
- 150g pork (thinly sliced pork belly recommended)
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp
- 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 green chili pepper (optional, for a spicier kick)
- 2-3 Tbsp cooking oil
- 2.5 cups rice water (approx. 450ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1 zucchini. Wash it thoroughly and slice it into half-moon shapes. To ensure a pleasant texture and good shape, it’s best to slice them slightly thick, about 0.7cm, rather than too thinly, which can cause them to break apart during cooking.
Step 2
Heat a deep pot or pan over medium heat and add about 2 Tbsp of cooking oil. Add 150g of thinly sliced pork (thinly sliced pork belly works wonderfully and is very delicious) and stir-fry. Once the pork is partially cooked, add 1 tsp of sugar to enhance its savory flavor, followed by 1 Tbsp of salted fermented shrimp. Stir-fry everything together. Using salted fermented shrimp adds a deep umami.
Step 3
After the pork has lost its pink color and is well combined with the salted fermented shrimp, add 2 Tbsp of red pepper flakes and stir-fry quickly. Red pepper flakes can burn easily, so keep the heat on medium-low and stir-fry until the pork and seasonings are evenly coated. Stir-frying the seasonings first will give the stew a richer color and deeper flavor.
Step 4
Now, add the sliced zucchini to the pot and stir-fry it with the pork and seasonings. Lightly stir-frying the zucchini coated in oil and spices will bring out its natural sweetness.
Step 5
Pour in 2.5 cups of rice water (approx. 450ml) and bring the stew to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling vigorously, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 1 chopped green chili pepper for a deliciously spicy and refreshing taste. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more salted fermented shrimp if needed. Your flavorful pork and zucchini stew is now ready!
