Stir-fried Onion and Zucchini Delight
Half Onion, Half Zucchini Stir-fry~ A Perfect Match!
Onions and zucchini are best friends! This is a nostalgic side dish from childhood, featuring a flavorful stir-fry of onions, zucchini, and savory fermented shrimp (saeujeot). Enjoy a simple yet delicious meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 round zucchini
- 1 onion
- 1 red chili pepper (optional, for color)
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp salt (for salting zucchini)
- 1 Tbsp fermented shrimp (saeujeot, including brine)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp salt (for salting zucchini)
- 1 Tbsp fermented shrimp (saeujeot, including brine)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the round zucchini thoroughly, remove the ends, and cut it lengthwise into 4 equal pieces.
Step 2
Using a spoon, gently scoop out the seedy core from the center of the cut zucchini pieces. (The seeds can be quite large and watery, which might make the stir-fry look messy. It’s okay to leave them in, but removing them results in a cleaner dish.) Then, slice the zucchini into thick pieces, about 1.5 cm thick.
Step 3
Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt evenly over the sliced zucchini and let it sit for about 5 minutes to lightly salt. This step draws out excess moisture, helping the zucchini maintain its shape and retain a crisp texture when stir-fried, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Step 4
Peel and slice the onion into pieces roughly the same size as the zucchini slices. The sweetness of the onion will add depth to the dish.
Step 5
Rinse the salted zucchini lightly under running water and gently squeeze out any excess moisture. Now, it’s time to stir-fry! Heat 1.5 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat and add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant.
Step 6
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the drained zucchini to the pan and increase the heat to medium. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the zucchini begins to turn slightly translucent. Then, add 1 Tbsp of fermented shrimp (saeujeot), including its brine, for a savory umami boost. The saeujeot will season the dish and add a rich flavor.
Step 7
When the zucchini is about halfway cooked and tender, add the sliced onion and the red chili pepper (if using for color). The onions will soften and release their natural sweetness as they cook.
Step 8
Stir-fry until the onions become translucent but still retain a slight crispness. Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle 1/2 Tbsp of sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. If you find the dish needs more seasoning, you can add a pinch of salt to taste.
Step 9
This stir-fried onion and zucchini dish beautifully combines the crisp sweetness of the onion with the tender texture of the zucchini. It’s a delightful side dish that will surely whet your appetite. It’s also wonderful served over a bowl of warm rice!
