Easy and Delicious Stir-Fried Zucchini
Simple and Flavorful Side Dish: Stir-Fried Zucchini Recipe
Introducing a classic Korean side dish that pairs perfectly with any home-cooked meal: Stir-Fried Zucchini (Hobak Bokkeum). This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring only slicing and stir-frying, making it foolproof for anyone to achieve a delicious result. The subtle sweetness and chewy texture are exceptional, making it a wonderful side for rice or even a snack. Make this tasty stir-fried zucchini right away!
Main Ingredients- 1 Korean zucchini (aebak)
- 1 Onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Korean zucchini thoroughly, remove the ends, and slice it into about 0.5cm thick half-moon shapes. Slicing them too thinly can cause them to break apart during stir-frying, so aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 2
Peel and wash the onion, then slice it into strips about 0.5cm thick. Slicing it to a similar thickness as the zucchini will ensure they cook evenly and have a pleasant texture together.
Step 3
Now, preheat a pan over medium-low heat. Once the pan is moderately hot, add 2 tablespoons of perilla oil to release its aroma. The nutty fragrance of perilla oil will enhance the overall flavor of the stir-fried zucchini.
Step 4
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan and quickly stir-fry over high heat until fragrant. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter. The key is to stir-fry it just long enough for the aroma to develop.
Step 5
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced zucchini and onion to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and continue to stir-fry. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the zucchini becomes slightly translucent.
Step 6
When the zucchini is partially cooked, add 0.5 tablespoon of salted fermented shrimp (saeujeot) to season. It’s best to finely mince the shrimp itself before adding it, rather than just the brine, to avoid a strong fishy smell and add a savory depth. If the seasoning from the shrimp isn’t enough, you can add a pinch of salt. Using salted fermented shrimp provides a rich umami flavor that makes the dish much tastier.
Step 7
Finally, just before turning off the heat, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds for added nuttiness and gently mix to finish. This dish is wonderful served over hot rice as a donburi-style meal, or alongside other side dishes. Enjoy your delicious stir-fried zucchini!
