Savory Stir-Fried Zucchini with Perilla Oil
Savory Stir-Fried Zucchini with Perilla Oil
A Simple and Delicious Side Dish: Stir-Fried Zucchini with Shrimp Paste
Let’s whip up a simple side dish that’s perfect for any meal! This stir-fried zucchini is seasoned with savory shrimp paste instead of salt, offering a delightful umami flavor enhanced by the nutty aroma of perilla oil and garlic. It’s one of the easiest and quickest recipes, making it a frequent favorite in my kitchen. You can also check out the video recipe for this stir-fried zucchini!
Main Ingredients- 1 medium zucchini
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 chili pepper (e.g., Korean Cheongyang pepper)
- A small handful of garlic cloves (about 5-6)
- 1/2 stalk green onion
Seasoning- 4 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 tsp shrimp paste (minced)
- A pinch of black pepper
- 4 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 tsp shrimp paste (minced)
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice it into half-moons or bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the onion, and cut the green onion into diagonal pieces. For a touch of heat and aroma, finely chop the chili pepper after removing the seeds. (If you’d like to add more color, you can also thinly slice carrots or red bell peppers to include.)
Step 2
Heat a pan and add 4 tablespoons of fragrant perilla oil. The rich flavor of perilla oil will elevate the taste of your stir-fried zucchini.
Step 3
Add the thinly sliced garlic to the pan and sauté over medium-low heat to infuse the oil with its aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic; sautéing until a gentle garlic fragrance is released is key. (While minced garlic works, sliced garlic offers a pleasant texture and a deeper flavor.)
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced onion and zucchini. Stir-fry them together until the onion becomes translucent and the zucchini starts to soften slightly.
Step 5
When the zucchini begins to cook, add 1 teaspoon of minced shrimp paste to season the dish. Shrimp paste provides a deeper umami flavor than regular salt, making it an excellent choice for side dishes. Add a pinch of black pepper to taste, if desired.
Step 6
Once the zucchini is cooked to your liking, add the chopped chili pepper and green onion. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes. The fresh aroma of the peppers and onions will further enhance the deliciousness of the dish.
Step 7
Stir-fry everything enthusiastically until the ingredients are well combined! As you stir-fry, the zucchini will release some moisture, and the mixture will start to feel a bit sticky.
Step 8
Turn off the heat when the zucchini is cooked to your desired tenderness, ensuring it doesn’t become too mushy. Your incredibly simple and delicious side dish, stir-fried zucchini with perilla oil, is now ready! Serve it over a bowl of warm rice for a delightful meal. 🙂
