Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp (Ae-Hobak Saeu-jeot Bokkeum): Explosive Umami!
Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp (Ae-Hobak Saeu-jeot Bokkeum): Explosive Umami!
Altoran Recipe: Flavorful Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp
This recipe comes from MBN’s Altoran, a show I faithfully watch every Sunday night. It features a delicious stir-fried zucchini dish seasoned with salted shrimp, guaranteed to reignite your appetite on days when nothing sounds appealing. It’s a simple yet deeply flavorful side dish with an addictive quality that makes you want to finish a whole bowl of rice.
Main Ingredients- 1 medium Zucchini (Ae-Hobak)
- 2 Tbsp Salt (for blanching zucchini)
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deul-gi-reum)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 stalk Green Onion (chopped)
- 1/4 medium Onion (sliced)
- 1 Tbsp Salted Shrimp (Saeu-jeot, chopped or just the brine)
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, medium spice)
- 1 Green Chili Pepper (chopped)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper (chopped)
- Pinch of Sugar (optional)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- A little Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin cooking, thoroughly wash the zucchini and slice it into half-moon shapes, about 0.5 cm thick. Mince the garlic or slice it thinly. Chop the green onions. Slice the onion and chop the green and red chili peppers after removing their seeds. If using whole salted shrimp, chop them finely, or you can just use the brine.
Step 2
In a pot, bring 600ml of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 2 tablespoons of salt. Carefully add the prepared zucchini and blanch for just 1 minute. It’s crucial not to overcook the zucchini; you want it to retain some firmness. Immediately drain the blanched zucchini using a colander and spread it out on a plate to cool slightly. This step helps maintain a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and 1 tablespoon of perilla oil. Once the oil is warm, add the minced or sliced garlic, chopped green onions, and sliced onions. Sauté until fragrant and the onions turn translucent, being careful not to burn them. When the onions are softened, add the salted shrimp and stir-fry for another minute to cook off any raw shrimp flavor and develop its umami.
Step 4
Once the aromatics are fragrant, reduce the heat to low. Add the 2 tablespoons of gochugaru and stir quickly to combine without burning. Immediately add the slightly cooled, blanched zucchini to the pan. Gently toss everything together to coat the zucchini evenly with the seasoning. Stir-fry for only about 1 minute. Overcooking will make the zucchini mushy, so be swift!
Step 5
Finally, add the chopped green and red chili peppers to the pan. Toss them in gently to distribute. The chilies will add a touch of heat and a vibrant splash of color, making the dish even more appealing.
Step 6
This is the final step. If you prefer a hint of sweetness, add a tiny pinch of sugar. Season with a pinch of black pepper. Sprinkle generously with sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and flavor. Your delicious Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp is now ready to be enjoyed with a warm bowl of rice!
