Savory Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp
Savory Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp
Light & Flavorful Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp (Easy Recipe with Little Tips!)
A quintessential summer side dish, easily made with zucchini and salted shrimp. Enjoy its delicate flavor and umami boost.
Main Ingredients- 1 medium Zucchini
- 1/2 medium Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the zucchini thoroughly. Slice it into half-moon shapes about 0.5cm thick. Slice the onion similarly. Cutting the vegetables into substantial pieces prevents them from breaking apart during cooking and improves texture. Place the prepared zucchini and onion in a wok or a wide pan.
Step 2
Lightly season the sliced zucchini and onion with salt. Let it sit for a moment to soften slightly. Pour in 2/3 cup (approx. 130ml) of water and cover with a lid. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the zucchini becomes translucent and tender. Reduce the heat slightly once steam begins to rise.
Step 3
You can adjust the amount of water based on your preference. If you prefer a drier stir-fry with less sauce, use only about half a cup (approx. 100ml) of water. For a saucier dish that can be mixed with rice or enjoyed like a stew, add more than one and a half cups (approx. 300ml). The current amount of 2/3 cup is suitable for a slightly moist consistency.
Step 4
Remove the lid and add 1 teaspoon of salted shrimp to season the dish. You can use just the solids from the salted shrimp, or include some of the brine if you like. Adjust the amount of salted shrimp according to the quantity of zucchini and your taste. Using salted shrimp provides a much deeper and richer umami flavor than regular salt.
Step 5
Add 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of chopped scallions. Gently toss everything together to combine. Be careful not to overcook on high heat, as the zucchini can become too soft. Stir-fry for just 1-2 minutes until the ingredients are well blended.
Step 6
Turn off the heat when the sauce has reduced to a moist consistency at the bottom of the pan and the ingredients have absorbed the flavor. It’s best if the zucchini is still slightly crisp rather than completely mushy. The key is to turn off the heat when the natural moisture from the ingredients, salted shrimp, and water have combined to create a delicious sauce.
Step 7
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for added fragrance and sprinkle with sesame seeds to finish. You can sprinkle sesame seeds directly in the pan, but it looks more appealing if you add them on top after plating. And there you have it – a delicious and delicately flavored stir-fried zucchini with salted shrimp, perfect for summer! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
