Spicy & Zesty Stir-Fried Zucchini with Peperoncino
A Flavorful Peperoncino Zucchini Stir-Fry for When You Crave Some Heat
Tired of bland zucchini stir-fries? This dish brings together zucchini with fiery peperoncino peppers and other fresh vegetables for a wonderfully spicy and invigorating meal. It’s perfect as a side dish with rice or even as a tasty snack!
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 medium zucchini
- 1/2 onion
- 5-7 peperoncino peppers (or adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color)
- 1/2 large green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Seasoning
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp fermented shrimp paste (saeujeot)
- 1/2 Tbsp MSG-based seasoning powder (like Dasida)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp fermented shrimp paste (saeujeot)
- 1/2 Tbsp MSG-based seasoning powder (like Dasida)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all your vegetables. Slice the zucchini into half-moon shapes or bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the onion. Chop the green onion diagonally. Remove the seeds from the red chili pepper and chop it finely for a pop of color. For the peperoncino, remove the stems; you can use them whole or chop them finely if you prefer more heat.
Step 2
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and peperoncino, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fermented shrimp paste and continue to cook. The shrimp paste adds a wonderful savory depth and helps balance the saltiness. You’ll notice a delicious aroma as the garlic, chili, and green onion combine.
Step 3
While peperoncino is often used in Italian cuisine, it pairs exceptionally well with Korean vegetables. If you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add some Cheongyang chili peppers or increase the amount of peperoncino. You can also add a touch of oyster sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor, according to your taste.
Step 4
Add the sliced zucchini, onion, and red chili pepper to the pan. Stir-fry over medium heat. The key is to cook the zucchini until it’s tender-crisp, not mushy. Try to avoid creating too much liquid; cook until most of the moisture has evaporated. Season with a pinch of black pepper.
Step 5
Once all the ingredients are beautifully combined and cooked through, remove from heat. Transfer to a serving plate. This dish is wonderful served over warm rice as a main component of a meal, or enjoy it alongside a cold beer as a delightful appetizer.
