Zucchini and Fermented Shrimp Stew: A Deep Flavor Made Easy with Your Rice Cooker!
Easy Zucchini and Fermented Shrimp Stew Recipe Using a Rice Cooker
Perfect for when you have a lack of appetite! This is a delicious zucchini and fermented shrimp stew that you can make quickly and easily using just your rice cooker. The harmony of tender zucchini and savory fermented shrimp will have you finishing a bowl of rice in no time.
Main Ingredients- 150g zucchini (about 1/3 medium)
- 2 shiitake mushrooms
- 125ml water (about 1/2 cup)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly. Zucchini softens quickly when cooked, so to maintain a pleasant texture, slice it into about 1cm thick pieces. For smaller zucchini, cut them into half-moons; for larger ones, cut them into quarter-moon shapes. In a bowl, combine the sliced zucchini with 0.5 tsp of fermented salted shrimp and gently toss to marinate for 5 minutes. This pre-seasoning step will infuse the zucchini with a savory depth, making the stew much tastier.
Step 2
Soak the 2 shiitake mushrooms in lukewarm water for about 10 minutes until softened. Once rehydrated, trim off the tough stems and slice the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. The earthy aroma of the shiitake mushrooms will add a wonderful depth to the stew broth.
Step 3
Now it’s time to assemble everything in the rice cooker. Place the sliced soaked shiitake mushrooms and the pre-seasoned zucchini into the inner pot of the rice cooker. Next, add 125ml of water, 1 tsp of minced garlic (or garlic powder), 1 Tbsp of dried anchovy powder, 0.5 tsp of red pepper flakes, and a pinch of black pepper. Ensure the water level is sufficient so that the zucchini is mostly submerged; we want a stew consistency, not an overly soupy one. Stir everything together gently to combine the seasonings. Once mixed, close the lid and select the ‘Cook’ or ‘Reheat’ function on your rice cooker for 9 minutes. (If your rice cooker has a specific ‘Stew’ setting, you can use that as well.)
Step 4
After 9 minutes, your delicious Zucchini and Fermented Shrimp Stew will be ready! Open the rice cooker to reveal the steaming, aromatic stew.
Step 5
Finally, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and drizzle with 1 Tbsp of sesame oil (or perilla oil). Give it a gentle stir to distribute the nutty aroma of the sesame oil, which will significantly enhance the flavor. Serve hot, perhaps over a bowl of freshly cooked rice, and enjoy!
