Savory Stir-Fried Zucchini with Shrimp
Savory Stir-Fried Zucchini with Shrimp
Easy & Delicious Zucchini and Shrimp Stir-fry: A Simple Side Dish Recipe
A delightful combination of sweet zucchini and plump shrimp that creates a fantastic side dish to accompany any meal! This recipe uses simple spoon measurements for easy preparation, making it perfect for family meals, including for children.
Main Ingredients- 1 medium zucchini (approx. 288g)
- 125g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil (e.g., rice bran oil)
- 1/2 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) or soy sauce
- 10 Tbsp water (approx. 150ml)
- 1 Tbsp chopped scallions (approx. 8g)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If using frozen shrimp, thaw them by soaking in cold water for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to soak them for too long, as the shrimp can become mushy.
Step 2
Once thawed, drain the shrimp in a sieve and rinse them gently under cool running water to remove any impurities. Pat them dry.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine the drained shrimp with 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (mirin) and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix to coat the shrimp. Let it marinate for a few minutes to remove any fishy odor and enhance flavor.
Step 4
Wash the zucchini thoroughly, trim off the ends, and slice it into half-moon shapes about 0.5-0.6 cm thick. Slicing them to a moderate thickness will prevent them from breaking apart too much during cooking.
Step 5
Slice the onion into thin strips, similar in thickness to the zucchini. The sweetness of the onion will add depth to the dish.
Step 6
Finely chop the scallions. These will be added at the end for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Step 7
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Stir continuously to prevent burning and to maximize the garlic’s aroma.
Step 8
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced zucchini and onion to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the vegetables begin to soften slightly and become slightly translucent.
Step 9
Now, add the marinated shrimp to the pan.
Step 10
Add 1/2 tablespoon of salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot), including its liquid, for seasoning. This ingredient adds a unique umami flavor, so don’t skip it if possible. (Alternatively, use soy sauce).
Step 11
Continue to stir-fry for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. You’ll notice the shrimp starting to turn pink.
Step 12
Pour in 10 tablespoons of water (about 150ml). Adding a little water helps the zucchini cook more tenderly and allows the sauce to distribute evenly.
Step 13
Cook uncovered until the liquid has reduced slightly and the shrimp are fully cooked, while the zucchini is about 80% tender – still having a slight bite. Be mindful not to overcook the zucchini, making it too soft.
Step 14
Finally, add the chopped scallions, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together to combine. Your delicious stir-fried zucchini with shrimp is ready! Turn off the heat and enjoy.
