Tender Zucchini Stir-Fry
Tender Zucchini Stir-Fry
Making a Moist Zucchini Stir-Fry with Homegrown Zucchini
This zucchini, grown in my home garden, is exceptionally large, about 1.5 to 2 times the size of those found in supermarkets. I’ve prepared a moist and flavorful stir-fry using this wonderful zucchini, similar to how we might cook round summer squash. It’s a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with rice and is simple to make, making it ideal for busy individuals or those new to cooking. #ZucchiniStirFry #ZucchiniRecipe #SummerSquash #EasySideDish #GardenHarvest
Zucchini Stir-Fry Ingredients- 2/3 large zucchini (adjust based on size)
- 1/2 onion
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (approx. 15ml)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (approx. 15ml)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (approx. 10g)
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) (approx. 15g, including liquid)
- 1/2 cup water (approx. 100ml)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds (approx. 10g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The zucchini for today’s recipe isn’t from the supermarket but was lovingly grown in my own garden! It’s notably larger than usual. (If you’re using store-bought zucchini, one standard-sized zucchini should suffice.)
Step 2
First, thoroughly wash the zucchini under running water to remove any dirt. Then, slice it crosswise into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them to a moderate thickness prevents them from becoming too mushy during stir-frying.
Step 3
Next, take each round slice and cut it in half to create a half-moon shape. This ensures even cooking and makes for a more appealing presentation on the plate.
Step 4
Peel and rinse the half onion. Then, slice it into thin strips, similar in thickness to the zucchini pieces. The natural sweetness of the onion will add depth to the flavor of the stir-fry.
Step 5
Now, let’s start stir-frying. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant to infuse the oil with garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry until it becomes translucent, which will bring out its natural sweetness.
Step 6
Once the onion starts to turn transparent, add all the prepared zucchini slices to the pan. Stir-fry gently for about 1-2 minutes until the zucchini is evenly coated with the seasonings. The key is to cook the zucchini just enough to retain a slight crispness.
Step 7
Next, add 1 tablespoon of salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) to enhance the umami flavor of this dish. When adding saeujeot, be sure to include some of its liquid brine, as this contributes significantly to the taste and overall flavor profile. Saeujeot is a secret ingredient that adds a wonderful savory depth to stir-fries and soups.
Step 8
Now, pour in 1/2 cup of water (approximately 100ml). Stir everything together well and continue to stir-fry. This step allows the zucchini to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 9
Continue stir-frying over medium heat until the liquid has reduced and the sauce is slightly thickened. Avoid overcooking, as you don’t want the zucchini to become too soft. Cook until the zucchini is tender and the sauce has a nice glaze, usually about 3-5 minutes.
Step 10
Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the stir-fry. This adds a wonderful nutty aroma and texture, completing the dish and making it look even more appetizing. Serve hot over a bowl of steamed rice!
