Umami-Rich Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp
Easy Recipe for Delicious Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp
Wondering what to do with leftover zucchini? Instead of making pancakes, I decided to whip up a batch of stir-fried zucchini seasoned with salted shrimp. This dish is so flavorful, it can be enjoyed as a side for 2-3 meals. The savory salted shrimp perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the zucchini!
Main Ingredients- Zucchini, 247g (after trimming)
- Carrot, 28g
- Onion, 53g
- Green onion, 12g
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly under running water. Then, slice it into thin, semi-circular pieces about 4-5mm thick. Slicing them too thick might prolong the cooking time.
Step 2
Julienne the onion and carrot into thin strips, about 3mm thick, similar to the zucchini’s thickness. Consistent slicing will ensure a uniform texture.
Step 3
Finely chop the green onion to add aroma. Prepare 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic; this will help reduce any raw smell from the zucchini and enhance its flavor.
Step 4
In a wide frying pan, combine the prepared zucchini, julienned carrots, and onions. Having them all in one place makes stir-frying easier.
Step 5
Drizzle 2 Tbsp of olive oil evenly over the vegetables. You can substitute olive oil with any cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil.
Step 6
Place the pan over medium heat and stir-fry the vegetables gently for about 1 minute. This step lightly coats the vegetables with oil.
Step 7
After stir-frying for a minute, add 0.7 Tbsp of salted shrimp (including the brine). Gently toss to combine the shrimp with the vegetables.
Step 8
Carefully pour in 30ml of water. Adding water helps the vegetables cook tenderly without burning.
Step 9
Cover the pan with a lid. Now, let the vegetables steam and cook until tender.
Step 10
Cover and steam over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. If you prefer a slightly crisp zucchini, cook for just 1 minute. For a softer texture, cook for 2-3 minutes, adjusting to your preference.
Step 11
Remove the lid and gently stir the cooked vegetables with a spoon. Be careful not to mash them; stir gently to mix.
Step 12
Now, it’s time to taste. If it feels a bit bland, add about 2 pinches of salt to adjust the seasoning. Remember, salted shrimp is already salty, so tasting before adding more salt is key.
Step 13
Once the seasoning is adjusted, add the chopped green onions and minced garlic. Stir-fry quickly for another moment until everything is well combined. Turn off the heat while the aroma of garlic and green onions is still fresh.
Step 14
Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for both visual appeal and added flavor. Your delicious stir-fried zucchini with salted shrimp is now ready to be enjoyed with a warm bowl of rice!
