Delicious Stir-Fried Zucchini: Crispy Outside, Tender Inside (Great Even When Cold!)
Delicious Stir-Fried Zucchini: Crispy Outside, Tender Inside (Great Even When Cold!)
Crispy & Tender Stir-Fried Zucchini
Every household likely has their own go-to recipe for stir-fried zucchini. However, in my home, zucchini stir-fried with salted shrimp is only appealing when served warm. That’s why I’ve developed a recipe for stir-fried zucchini that tastes just as good, if not better, when it’s cooled down. It’s perfect for packed lunches or as a side dish anytime! Try making this delicious zucchini stir-fry in various ways! ^^
Main Ingredients- 1.5 medium zucchinis
- 2 tsp salt (for salting the zucchini)
- 1/2 carrot (about 5-6 cm long)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil (or sesame oil)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them into half-moon shapes, about 0.5 cm thick. Julienne the carrot into strips that are similar in length to the zucchini slices.
Step 2
Place the sliced zucchini in a bowl and mix in 2 teaspoons of salt. Gently toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which will make the zucchini more flavorful when stir-fried.
Step 3
Rinse the salted zucchini lightly under running water to remove excess salt. When squeezing out the water, apply gentle pressure with your hands to avoid breaking the zucchini pieces. Squeeze just enough to remove most of the water; over-squeezing can lead to a dry texture.
Step 4
Heat 2 tablespoons of perilla oil (or sesame oil) in a pan over medium heat. Add the squeezed zucchini and begin to stir-fry. Cook until the zucchini slightly softens and becomes translucent.
Step 5
Once the zucchini is partially cooked, add the julienned carrots to the pan. Continue to stir-fry together until the carrots are tender-crisp. Carrots take a little longer to cook than zucchini, so stir well to ensure even cooking and a vibrant color.
Step 6
Taste the mixture and add a pinch of salt if needed to adjust the seasoning. Finally, add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry for about 1 minute more, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can burn easily.
Step 7
Sprinkle with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and give it a final gentle toss. Your delicious stir-fried zucchini is ready! It’s wonderful served warm, but its savory flavor truly shines even when it has cooled down.
