Hearty & Refreshing! Chungcheong-style Zucchini Noodles
Hearty & Refreshing! Chungcheong-style Zucchini Noodles
Healthy & Delicious Zucchini Noodles from the Chungcheong Province
This recipe, inspired by the ‘Seasonal Recipes’ from Nongsim Information Nuri, allows you to create a simple yet delightful dish using just one fresh, seasonal zucchini. Perfect for when your appetite wanes during the summer heat, these flavorful zucchini noodles will help you rediscover your culinary joy!
Zucchini Noodle Ingredients- 2 medium zucchini
- 2 handfuls of somen noodles (approx. 160g per serving)
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse salt (for salting zucchini)
- 3 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty flavor and texture)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for aroma)
- 1/4 cup water (approx. 50ml, for stir-frying zucchini)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for stir-frying zucchini)
Seasoning Mix Ingredients- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (for mild spiciness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (for aromatic depth)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (for savory umami)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (for subtle spice)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (for mild spiciness)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (for aromatic depth)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (for savory umami)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (for subtle spice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and pat them dry. Then, thinly julienne the zucchini. Place the julienned zucchini in a bowl and add 1/2 Tbsp of coarse salt.
Step 2
Gently massage the zucchini with the salt using your hands until they are well combined. This process helps to draw out moisture and soften the zucchini, making them more tender and flavorful when cooked. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to salt.
Step 3
After salting, carefully press out the excess water from the zucchini using kitchen paper towels. Squeezing out the moisture is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery and to enhance the zucchini’s natural sweetness.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine all the seasoning mix ingredients: 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well with a spoon to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
Step 5
Now, heat a deep pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. Add the julienned zucchini (with excess water squeezed out) and stir-fry over high heat for about 2 minutes. This high-heat stir-fry helps retain the zucchini’s crisp texture. Once the zucchini is lightly cooked, add the prepared seasoning mix and stir everything together.
Step 6
Continue to stir-fry for another minute after adding the seasoning, ensuring the zucchini and the seasoning are well combined. It’s important to coat the zucchini evenly with the sauce for maximum flavor.
Step 7
Finally, pour in 1/4 cup (approx. 50ml) of water into the pan. Stir and cook for another minute. The addition of water helps to keep the zucchini moist while allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, creating a richer flavor profile.
Step 8
Meanwhile, boil a generous amount of water in a separate pot for the somen noodles. Add the somen noodles and cook according to package instructions, adding cold water during boiling to achieve a chewier texture. Once cooked, rinse the noodles thoroughly under cold water, drain well, and arrange them attractively on a serving plate.
Step 9
Allow the stir-fried zucchini to cool slightly for a moment before generously topping the somen noodles with it. Sprinkle 3 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the dish for a delightful nutty aroma and finish. This makes your Zucchini Noodles look and taste amazing!
Step 10
Now, use chopsticks to gently toss and mix the cooked zucchini with the somen noodles. Enjoy your refreshing and savory Chungcheong-style Zucchini Noodles! For an extra touch of richness, you can drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil before mixing.
