Quick and Easy Pan-Fried Zucchini Recipe: A True Rice Companion!
Simple and Delicious Zucchini Stir-Fry: Perfect for Any Meal!
Let’s make a super simple pan-fried zucchini dish! This recipe is incredibly easy and quick, perfect for a weeknight side dish. Enjoy the delightful combination of tender zucchini and savory seasonings.
Main Ingredients
- 1 zucchini (medium size)
- 1 onion (medium size)
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp perilla oil (adjust to taste)
- 0.5-1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (use the brine too)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Red pepper flakes (for color and a hint of spice)
- Sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
- 1-2 Tbsp perilla oil (adjust to taste)
- 0.5-1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (use the brine too)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Red pepper flakes (for color and a hint of spice)
- Sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and trim off the ends. Slice it into half-moon shapes about 0.5 cm thick, or into bite-sized pieces. Peel the onion and slice it into thin strips or chop it coarsely. Slicing the ingredients to a similar size ensures they cook evenly.
Step 2
Prepare a deep frying pan or wok and heat it over medium-low heat. Add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of perilla oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced zucchini and onion to the pan. The nutty aroma of perilla oil will infuse into the zucchini, making it even more delicious.
Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon of fragrant minced garlic. The garlic aroma will meld with the oil, significantly enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4
Pour in about 1/4 cup of water (approximately 50ml using a standard paper cup) so that the ingredients are just barely covered. Using rice water (sseumul) here will add a deeper, smoother flavor to the sauce. Stir the ingredients gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once the water begins to simmer slightly, get ready to add the next seasonings.
Step 5
Sprinkle in about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes (adjust the amount according to your spice preference). Be careful not to add too much, as it can burn. Adding it gradually helps achieve a beautiful color.
Step 6
Add 0.5 to 1 tablespoon of salted fermented shrimp (saeu-jeot), which is key for that umami flavor. Start with a smaller amount and add more later if needed to adjust the saltiness, as it can be quite potent. Including the brine from the shrimp will add even more depth. Gently stir to distribute the red pepper flakes and salted shrimp evenly among the ingredients. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can mash the zucchini.
Step 7
Now, cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes. Occasionally lift the lid and stir the ingredients to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick. This simmering process will make the zucchini tender and moist throughout.
Step 8
Lift the lid and check if the zucchini has turned translucent and is tender. You can test for doneness by piercing it with a chopstick; it should slide in easily. Taste the dish and if it needs more salt, add a tiny bit more salted fermented shrimp.
Step 9
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle about 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the dish. The nutty aroma of sesame oil will add a wonderful final touch to the zucchini stir-fry. Stir gently one last time to combine.
Step 10
Transfer the finished pan-fried zucchini to a serving plate. It’s the perfect side dish to enjoy with a bowl of hot rice! A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds makes it even more appealing. This delicious zucchini stir-fry is loved by everyone. Enjoy your meal!
