Sweet & Chewy Stir-Fried Summer Squash Recipe
Simple and Delicious Stir-Fried Squash Using Seasonal Round Zucchini
Introducing a stir-fried dish that revives nostalgic flavors with fresh, seasonal round zucchini! When sliced and stir-fried, this round zucchini dish boasts a wonderfully chewy yet sweet taste, making it a perfect side dish for rice or a simple snack. Savor the fresh essence of summer squash at its peak!
Main Ingredients
- 1 Round Zucchini (medium size)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/4 Red Chili Pepper (for color)
Seasoning & Others
- 1 tsp Shrimp Paste (for umami)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (enhances nutty flavor)
- 1 tsp Salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
- 1 tsp Shrimp Paste (for umami)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (enhances nutty flavor)
- 1 tsp Salt (for seasoning adjustment)
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (for garnish and nutty flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare your fresh round zucchini. Gently clean it by brushing off any dirt or using a kitchen towel.
Step 2
Trim the ends off the round zucchini, then cut it lengthwise into 4 equal parts. This makes it easier to handle and creates a nice shape.
Step 3
If there are too many seeds or the flesh is too soft, gently scrape them out with a spoon. Be careful not to remove too much, as it can affect the texture.
Step 4
Slice the prepared zucchini into rounds about 1cm thick. Slicing them too thin can cause them to break apart during cooking, while slices that are too thick will take longer to cook.
Step 5
Place the sliced zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Letting it sit for a bit will draw out excess moisture, resulting in a chewier texture and preventing the dish from becoming watery.
Step 6
Allow the zucchini to salt for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to over-salt, as it can make the zucchini mushy.
Step 7
Drain the salted zucchini in a colander. Let the water drip off naturally without squeezing it, which helps maintain its texture.
Step 8
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of flavorful perilla oil. Swirl it to coat the pan.
Step 9
Once the perilla oil is warm, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 10
Now, add the drained zucchini to the pan. Stir-fry over medium-low heat until the zucchini becomes slightly translucent. Cooking over high heat can burn the outside before the inside is cooked.
Step 11
Once the zucchini is partially cooked, add 1 teaspoon of shrimp paste for an extra layer of umami flavor and continue to stir-fry. Shrimp paste adds a deep, savory taste.
Step 12
Add the thinly sliced onion and the julienned red chili pepper (or colorful bell pepper). Stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent and still slightly crisp.
Step 13
Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together. Avoid overcooking to keep the vegetables slightly crisp and not mushy.
Step 14
Finally, sprinkle with a pinch of sesame seeds for added nutty flavor and a nice visual touch. Give it a gentle mix.
Step 15
Your chewy and sweet stir-fried round zucchini is beautifully ready! It’s a fantastic side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice.
Step 16
Serve this delicious zucchini stir-fry on a plate, perfect to enjoy with a warm bowl of rice. It’s an excellent choice when you need a simple yet satisfying dish!
