Mom’s Secret Recipe: Delicious Braised Zucchini
Mom’s Secret Recipe: Delicious Braised Zucchini
Homemade Side Dish: The Perfect Guide to Savory Braised Zucchini (Stir-fried)
This is a taste from my childhood, just like my mom used to make! This braised zucchini is so delicious, it’s a true rice thief. This simple yet deeply flavorful dish will make your family’s meal table abundant. The chewy yet tender texture of the zucchini harmonizes beautifully with the savory sauce, creating an irresistible flavor that everyone from young to old will adore. Follow along now and create a delicious homemade side dish!
Main Ingredients- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 stalk scallion
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/3 tbsp salted shrimp (including brine)
Optional Ingredients (For Enhanced Flavor!)- 1/4 red chili pepper (optional, adds color and a hint of spice)
- 1/4 red chili pepper (optional, adds color and a hint of spice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the zucchini. Wash the zucchini thoroughly, then slice it into pieces about 0.7-1 cm thick. Slicing it too thinly can cause the zucchini to break down and become mushy during cooking, so maintaining a moderate thickness is key to preserving its texture.
Step 2
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and stir-fry. It’s important to cook it gently over medium heat rather than high heat to bring out the natural sweetness of the zucchini.
Step 3
As you stir-fry the zucchini, increase the heat to medium-high and cook until the zucchini becomes slightly translucent and lightly golden. This process helps evaporate some of the zucchini’s moisture, resulting in a chewier texture. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4
Once the zucchini is about halfway cooked and starts to turn translucent, add about 1/4 cup (approx. 50ml) of water to create a shallow braising liquid. Add the minced garlic and 1/3 tablespoon of salted shrimp. Including the brine from the salted shrimp will enhance the umami flavor. If you have red chili pepper, thinly slice and add it now for a beautiful color and a touch of spice. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Taste the zucchini while it simmers and adjust the seasoning with more salted shrimp if needed. Seasoning solely with salted shrimp is the key to this dish’s flavor.
Step 5
When the water has reduced to less than half and only a small amount remains at the bottom of the pan, turn off the heat. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the residual heat to finish cooking and the sauce to fully penetrate the zucchini. Be careful not to overcook, as it can make the zucchini mushy.
Step 6
Transfer the finished braised zucchini to a serving dish. Garnish with finely chopped scallions for an appetizing finish. This delicious braised zucchini is now complete! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
