Delicious and Tender Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp
Simple and Flavorful Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp
Zucchini, a common vegetable in our meals, is not only delicious but also rich in vitamins A and C, making it highly digestible. Stir-frying it with salted shrimp (saeujeot) creates a delightful side dish that enhances any meal. This recipe offers a simple yet incredibly tasty way to prepare this beloved Korean classic.
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 tsp coarse salt (or regular salt)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1/4 stalk green onion (white part mainly)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salted shrimp (saeujeot), with a little of its brine
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 stalk green onion (white part mainly)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salted shrimp (saeujeot), with a little of its brine
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash one medium zucchini thoroughly under running water. Remove the ends and slice it into uniform, half-moon shapes, about 0.5 cm thick. Aim for a consistent thickness to ensure even cooking; overly thin slices can become mushy.
Step 2
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of coarse salt evenly over the sliced zucchini. This step draws out excess moisture, resulting in a firmer, more tender texture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. Afterward, lightly rinse the zucchini under cool water and gently squeeze out any remaining excess liquid.
Step 3
Prepare the green onion by finely chopping about 1/4 stalk, focusing on the white parts for a milder flavor. Mince 1 teaspoon of garlic as well.
Step 4
Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the salted zucchini slices and stir-fry until they become slightly translucent. Once the zucchini is partially cooked, add 1 teaspoon of salted shrimp (saeujeot) and continue to sauté. Including a small amount of the salted shrimp brine will add an extra layer of savory depth.
Step 5
When the zucchini is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the salted shrimp, add the minced green onion, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes. Stir-fry quickly for about 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring all the seasonings are well combined and coat the zucchini evenly. Finally, turn off the heat, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a finishing touch. Enjoy this delicious stir-fried zucchini as a perfect side dish!
