Stir-fried Zucchini with Shrimp and Salted Shrimp
Easy & Delicious Zucchini Stir-fry Recipe with Shrimp
Enjoy a flavorful side dish that the whole family will love! This recipe features tender zucchini, savory salted shrimp (saeujeot), and plenty of plump, real shrimp for an extra burst of flavor. It’s gentle on the stomach, making it a great choice for a mild side dish, especially for children. Adding real shrimp enhances the texture and overall deliciousness of this zucchini stir-fry.
Main Ingredients- 1 zucchini
- 100g small shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 small onion
- 1 stalk scallion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Rinse the small shrimp thoroughly. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them slightly. Drizzle with mirin (rice wine) and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to eliminate any fishy odor and adds a subtle sweetness. They don’t need to be completely thawed.
Step 2
Zucchini is known for being easy to digest and is packed with nutrients. It’s also believed to be beneficial for brain health and memory enhancement. A truly wholesome ingredient!
Step 3
Wash the zucchini well, then cut it in half lengthwise. Slice it into half-moon shapes, about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for a thickness that’s not too thin or too thick. Since the seeds are still immature, you can enjoy the entire zucchini slice.
Step 4
Slice the onion into thin strips, similar in thickness to the zucchini. This ensures they cook evenly.
Step 5
Finely chop the scallions and mince the garlic. Having these prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 6
The key to a flavorful zucchini stir-fry is salted shrimp (saeujeot)! Storing saeujeot in the freezer helps it last longer and imparts a deep umami flavor to dishes. Make sure to loosen it up a bit before using if it’s clumped.
Step 7
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wide pan or wok over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry until they become translucent and fragrant.
Step 8
Add the sliced zucchini to the pan with the onions. Continue to stir-fry until the zucchini begins to soften slightly.
Step 9
Add the prepared salted shrimp (saeujeot) to the pan. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly as you continue to cook. You can adjust the amount of saeujeot to your taste preference.
Step 10
Add the shrimp that were marinated in mirin. Stir-fry until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
Step 11
Once the zucchini is cooked to your desired tenderness and the shrimp are fully cooked, add the minced garlic and chopped scallions. Stir-fry quickly for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 12
Finish by sprinkling in some black pepper, then drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds for added flavor and aroma. Stir briefly to combine. Be careful not to overcook, as the zucchini can become mushy. Enjoy your delicious meal!
