Nostalgic Zucchini Noodles: A Taste of Home
Nostalgic Zucchini Noodles: A Taste of Home
[Seasonal Recipe] Follow Along with Chungcheong-do Style Zucchini Noodles
This dish is a beloved comfort food from my hometown, often made by my grandmother, evoking warm childhood memories. The familiar flavors are so comforting, I could finish this bowl in no time! Let’s make these super simple, delicious zucchini noodles together right now.
Main Ingredients- 2 portions (approx. 160g) somyeon (thin wheat noodles)
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot)
- 50ml water
- 3 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- A pinch of black pepper
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- A pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the two zucchinis thoroughly and trim off any blemishes. Then, slice them thinly and lengthwise into julienne strips. Using a mandoline slicer can help create uniform strips, making the process easier.
Step 2
For added flavor and visual appeal, you can also julienne about 1/4 of a sweet onion and 1/4 of a carrot. These are optional but will contribute to a more complex and colorful dish.
Step 3
To create the flavorful sauce: In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well to create the seasoning paste. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4
For the best nutty aroma, grind the toasted sesame seeds yourself. Use a blender or mortar and pestle to finely grind 3 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 2 portions of somyeon noodles and cook them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute less than the package instructions to ensure a firm, al dente texture. Once cooked, rinse the noodles immediately under cold running water to remove excess starch and drain them well in a colander.
Step 5
The perfect pairing! Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the julienned zucchini, 1 Tbsp of salted fermented shrimp, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir-fry over high heat for 2 minutes, keeping the zucchini crisp. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy.
Step 6
Once the zucchini is partially stir-fried, add all the prepared seasoning paste to the pan and cook for another minute, allowing the zucchini to absorb the flavors. Then, pour in 50ml of water and simmer for another minute. This completes the stir-fried zucchini component.
Step 7
A visually appealing dish often tastes better too! Cook the noodles (baik Baeknyeoncho somyeon or regular somyeon) according to package directions. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove starch. Drain them completely and arrange them neatly in a sieve or colander.
Step 8
Transfer the prepared noodles to a serving bowl. Gently loosen the noodles as you place them in the bowl to prevent clumping.
Step 9
Finally, generously top the noodles with the flavorful stir-fried zucchini. Finish with a drizzle of 1 Tbsp sesame oil and a sprinkle of the freshly ground toasted sesame seeds. Your nostalgic Zucchini Noodles, reminiscent of grandma’s cooking, are now beautifully complete! Enjoy your meal.
