Stir-Fried Zucchini with Dried Shrimp: A Deliciously Savory Side Dish
Stir-Fried Zucchini with Dried Shrimp: A Deliciously Savory Side Dish
Easy and Delicious Zucchini and Dried Shrimp Stir-Fry Recipe
This is a favorite mild side dish that I make often. It’s also delicious when stir-fried with scallops. Since broccoli was fresh and cheap at the market, I decided to add some to this dish. It’s simple to make and has a clean, savory, umami flavor! This zucchini and dried shrimp stir-fry recipe is a hit with kids too.
Ingredients- 1 medium zucchini
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1/5 medium carrot
- 5 cloves garlic (or 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic)
- 1 handful dried shrimp (approx. 30g)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (or soy sauce)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of coarse salt (for seasoning)
- A little grapeseed oil (or cooking oil)
- A little broccoli florets
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly. Slice it into slightly thick pieces, about 0.7 to 1 cm thick, as thinner slices tend to break apart easily during cooking. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of coarse salt over the sliced zucchini and let it sit for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to draw out moisture. Gently rinse the salted zucchini under cold water to remove excess salt, then drain thoroughly in a colander. For the broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water with a pinch of salt for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Rinse under cold water, drain, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic or slice it thinly; thinly sliced garlic offers a cleaner flavor.
Step 2
Lightly shake the dried shrimp in a sieve to remove any dust. Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat and toast the dried shrimp for 1-2 minutes. This step removes any fishy or stale odors, enhancing their nutty aroma and flavor. Set the toasted dried shrimp aside.
Step 3
Now, let’s start stir-frying. Add 1-2 Tbsp of grapeseed oil to a pan and heat over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it by adjusting the heat as needed.
Step 4
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the firmer vegetables first. Add the sliced carrots and stir-fry for about 1 minute until slightly tender. This helps retain the vegetables’ texture while bringing out their natural sweetness.
Step 5
Add the main ingredient, the zucchini, and increase the heat to medium-high. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, ensuring you keep stirring to prevent sticking. You’ll notice the zucchini becoming slightly translucent as it cooks. Continue stir-frying until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Step 6
When the zucchini is partially cooked, add the sliced onion and blanched broccoli florets. Stir-fry together for another 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened. Finally, add the toasted dried shrimp. Season with 1 Tbsp of tuna extract (or soy sauce if tuna extract is unavailable). Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of coarse salt if needed. Finish by drizzling in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for added aroma and flavor, and give it a final toss. Your delicious Zucchini and Dried Shrimp Stir-Fry is ready! Serve it over warm rice or enjoy it as a side dish.
