Stir-fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp Paste
Simple and Savory Stir-fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp Paste
A quick and easy side dish recipe for stir-fried zucchini, enhanced with the umami of salted shrimp paste. This dish is perfect for a quick meal or as a flavorful addition to your banchan lineup.
Main Ingredients- 1 Zucchini
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional)
- 1 Red chili pepper (for color)
Seasoning & Others- 1/2 Tbsp Salted shrimp paste (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Canola oil or cooking oil, as needed
- A pinch of sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 Tbsp Salted shrimp paste (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp Minced garlic
- Canola oil or cooking oil, as needed
- A pinch of sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly under running water. Trim off both ends, then slice it in half lengthwise. Cut each half into uniform slices about 0.5 cm thick. Place the sliced zucchini directly into the pan.
Step 2
Wash the Korean green chili pepper and red chili pepper, remove the seeds, and thinly slice them diagonally. (If you enjoy a spicier taste, feel free to add more than one green chili pepper.)
Step 3
Now, add the salted shrimp paste, which will bring a deep umami flavor to the zucchini stir-fry. The base is about 1/2 tablespoon, but you can adjust it according to your preference and the saltiness of the paste. Using some of the brine from the shrimp paste can add even more flavor.
Step 4
Add a moderate amount of canola oil or your preferred cooking oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced zucchini and chili peppers. Stir-fry everything together, ensuring an even coating. Continue to stir-fry until the zucchini becomes slightly translucent and starts to soften.
Step 5
Once the zucchini has softened to your liking, add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. Stir-fry for a moment until the aroma of the garlic is released. If desired, sprinkle in a pinch of sesame seeds for an added nutty flavor.
Step 6
Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until all the ingredients are well combined and the flavors meld together. This will complete your delicious zucchini stir-fry. Cooking over medium heat, rather than high heat, will help prevent the zucchini from breaking apart and ensure it cooks tenderly.
Step 7
Transfer the perfectly cooked stir-fried zucchini to a serving dish. This makes a wonderful side dish that pairs perfectly with a warm bowl of rice.
