3, Feb 2022
Stir-Fried Zucchini with Fermented Shrimp Paste: A Simple and Delicious Side Dish with Summer Produce





Stir-Fried Zucchini with Fermented Shrimp Paste: A Simple and Delicious Side Dish with Summer Produce

How to Make Stir-Fried Zucchini with Fermented Shrimp Paste – A Perfect Summer Side Dish

Stir-Fried Zucchini with Fermented Shrimp Paste: A Simple and Delicious Side Dish with Summer Produce

Discover the delightful recipe for stir-fried zucchini with fermented shrimp paste, made with fresh zucchini harvested from the garden! This dish offers a wonderful combination of tender zucchini, savory fermented shrimp paste, and crisp Korean chili peppers, creating a visually appealing and delicious summer side dish. If you have extra zucchini, like one from the garden used here (the other went into a soybean paste stew), this is a fantastic way to enjoy it. The addition of purple onion brings a subtle sweetness, and the optional Korean chili peppers add a pleasant texture and mild heat. This stir-fried zucchini, a staple for many, is sure to become a favorite on your dining table.

Recipe Info

  • Category : Side dish
  • Ingredient Category : Vegetables
  • Occasion : Everyday
  • Cooking : Stir-fry
  • Servings : 4 servings
  • Cooking Time : Within 15 minutes
  • Difficulty : Anyone

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium zucchini
  • 1/2 purple onion
  • 5 Korean chili peppers (Ggochu)

Zucchini Preparation

  • 0.7 Tbsp coarse sea salt

Seasoning & Stir-frying

  • 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil or vegetable oil
  • 0.5 Tbsp fermented shrimp paste
  • 0.5 Tbsp fish sauce (or tuna extract)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1

Begin by preparing your vegetables. Thinly slice the purple onion into strips. Trim the stems off the Korean chili peppers and slice them in half lengthwise, optionally removing some of the seeds. This preparation helps them cook evenly and absorb flavors better.

Step 1

Step 2

Wash the zucchini thoroughly. Slice it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into approximately 0.5cm thick, semi-circular pieces. Sprinkle the coarse sea salt evenly over the sliced zucchini and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This salting process not only prevents the zucchini from becoming watery when stir-fried but also helps it absorb the seasonings better and maintain a firmer texture. After salting, lightly rinse the zucchini under cold water and gently squeeze out any remaining moisture. This step is crucial for a perfectly textured stir-fry, ensuring the zucchini doesn’t break apart easily and cooks quickly.

Step 2

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of grapeseed oil or your preferred cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced purple onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Once the onion is softened, add the drained zucchini slices to the pan. Stir-fry the zucchini until it starts to turn slightly translucent, indicating it’s beginning to cook through.

Step 3

Step 4

Add about 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic (or to your preference) to the pan and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Next, stir in 0.5 tablespoon of fermented shrimp paste, which provides a deep umami flavor. Follow this with 0.5 tablespoon of fish sauce (or tuna extract) to enhance the savory notes. If using whole fermented shrimp paste, gently mash it slightly before adding it to the pan to ensure it distributes evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or a little more fish sauce if needed.

Step 4

Step 5

Add the prepared Korean chili peppers to the pan and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until they are slightly softened but still retain some crunch. Turn off the heat. Drizzle in 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Give everything a final quick toss to combine. Your delicious stir-fried zucchini with fermented shrimp paste is now ready to serve!

Step 5

Step 6

This stir-fried zucchini, cooked to a tender-crisp texture, is an ideal light and refreshing side dish for the summer season. The delightful contrast between the soft zucchini and the slightly chewy, crisp Korean chili peppers makes it a truly satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with rice. It’s a perfect accompaniment for dinner.

Step 6

Step 7

Especially when Korean chili peppers are in season, their mild spiciness and crisp texture complement the zucchini beautifully, significantly enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. The subtle heat from the peppers elevates the natural sweetness of the zucchini, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Step 7

Step 8

Tired of wondering what to cook for dinner? Consider this budget-friendly and nutritious zucchini dish! It’s a healthy and universally loved side dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Why not give this simple yet flavorful zucchini stir-fry a try?

Step 8



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