Stir-Fried Zucchini with Doubanjiang Sauce
Super Easy Stir-Fried Zucchini with a Flavorful Doubanjiang Sauce
I’ve been enjoying this sweet and tender round zucchini dish frequently lately. This recipe is a simple stir-fry made with just one key ingredient: doubanjiang sauce, complemented by onions. It’s not only incredibly easy but also packed with flavor, making it a favorite side dish in my household right now. You might think doubanjiang is only for Chinese cuisine, but it pairs wonderfully with Korean stir-fries too. It’s a pantry staple worth having on hand!
Main Ingredients
- 1 Round Zucchini (approx. 300g)
- 1 Medium Onion
- A little chopped green onion or scallion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the round zucchini thoroughly. Cut it into quarters lengthwise, then slice it into approximately 0.5cm thick flat pieces. Slicing them not too thinly will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy when cooked.
Step 2
Peel the medium onion, cut it in half, and then slice it into 0.5cm thick strips. Chop the green onions or scallions finely for garnish.
Step 3
Prepare the seasoning ingredients. Measure out 2 tablespoons of doubanjiang sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. (Doubanjiang sauce itself is rich in savory and umami flavors, so you can omit the minced garlic if you prefer, but it adds a nice aromatic touch.)
Step 4
Heat about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok or a deep pan over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and onions all at once. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and turn slightly translucent. This initial stir-fry is key to developing their flavor.
Step 5
Once the zucchini and onions become vibrant in color and translucent, add the 2 tablespoons of doubanjiang sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic to the center of the pan. (Again, you can skip the minced garlic if you wish.)
Step 6
Quickly stir-fry to coat all the ingredients evenly with the sauce. Be careful not to overcook the zucchini, as it can become too soft and lose its pleasant texture. Aim for a slightly crisp-tender consistency, stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the amount of doubanjiang sauce to your taste.
Step 7
When all ingredients are cooked through and the sauce is well combined, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and toss in the chopped green onions or scallions. The fresh aroma of the green onions will enhance the overall flavor.
Step 8
Your simple and flavorful stir-fried zucchini and onion, seasoned with doubanjiang sauce, is ready! Enjoy this incredibly easy yet delicious side dish that’s perfect with a bowl of rice.
