Savory and Sweet Zucchini Stir-fry
Savory and Sweet Zucchini Stir-fry
Quick & Easy Zucchini Stir-fry with Saeujeot (Shrimp Paste) for Delicious Side Dish (ft. Saeujeot Expiration & Storage Tips)
Zucchini is a beloved and versatile vegetable, perfect for quick and simple dishes like pan-fried zucchini (jeon) or stir-fries. It’s also one of the few green vegetables my little one happily eats, making it a great baby side dish. Adding saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp) to this zucchini stir-fry elevates it with a delightful savory and umami flavor, turning it into a nutritious and satisfying meal accompaniment. Saeujeot can spoil easily, so proper storage is crucial. I’ll share detailed storage tips in the ‘Behind the Recipe’ section below!
Basic Ingredients- 1/2 medium zucchini
- 1/3 small onion
- Saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp) to taste (adjust as needed)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- A small amount of chopped green onion
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil (for finishing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly. Cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again. Slice these quarters into crescent shapes, about 0.5 cm thick. Peel the onion and slice it into thin strips of a similar thickness. Avoid slicing too thinly, as it can become mushy when stir-fried.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 3 tablespoons of perilla oil. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent. Sautéing the onion first releases its natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the zucchini dish. Once the onion starts to turn clear, add the sliced zucchini and continue to stir-fry together.
Step 3
Once the zucchini begins to soften slightly, add the minced garlic and saeujeot. Saeujeot is quite salty, so it’s best to add it gradually and taste as you go rather than adding too much at once. Continue to stir-fry over medium heat. While usually, vegetables release enough moisture to cook on their own, if you prefer a softer texture, especially for children, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help it steam and cook through.
Step 4
Continue stir-frying for about 3-5 more minutes, or until the zucchini becomes translucent and tender. In the final step, add the chopped green onion and stir-fry briefly. This adds a fresh aroma and enhances the flavor.
Step 5
Transfer the well-stir-fried zucchini to a serving plate. Drizzle with a little sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Your delicious, savory, and nutritious zucchini stir-fry is ready to be enjoyed with a bowl of warm rice!
