Crispy Stir-Fried Zucchini (Round Squash) Recipe
How to Make Nutritious Stir-Fried Round Squash
Hello there! Welcome to a recipe that’s sure to power your meals. Today, we’re going to make a delicious and crisp stir-fried dish using ’round squash’ (also known as Korean zucchini), which is versatile for stews, side dishes, and stir-fries. Round squash offers a delightful sweetness and tender texture that awakens the appetite, and its simple preparation makes it easy for anyone to master. Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables, this dish is a wonderful accompaniment to any meal. Shall we get cooking?
Main Ingredients- 200g Round Squash (Korean Zucchini)
- 1/3 large Onion
- 1 Cheongyang Pepper (or Green Chili)
- 1 handful Dried Shrimp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Trim off both ends of the round squash. Then, slightly slice off the bottom to create a stable base, making it easier to julienne without wobbling. Prepare the squash by cutting it into fine julienne strips, about 0.5cm thick.
Step 2
Place the julienned squash in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt and 2 tablespoons of water. Gently mix and let it sit for 15 minutes to salt-cure. This process helps the squash become tender yet retain a crisp texture. During this time, flip the squash once to ensure even curing. Adding only a little water helps it cure faster.
Step 3
After curing, gently squeeze out the excess water from the squash. Avoid twisting, as this can make the texture mushy. Press down with your hands to release the moisture. Using a sieve or mesh bag can make this step easier.
Step 4
Peel the onion and cut it into thin strips. Finely chop the Cheongyang pepper. If you prefer less heat, you can remove the seeds before chopping.
Step 5
To remove any potential fishy odor from the dried shrimp, lightly toast them in a dry pan over low heat, or microwave them without a lid for about 20 seconds. This enhances their savory flavor without any unwanted smells.
Step 6
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent. Once the onions are softened, add the dried shrimp and stir-fry together to develop their flavor.
Step 7
Add the fried garlic flakes to the pan and stir-fry briefly for an enhanced aroma. Taste the dish and add a tiny pinch of salt if needed, but be mindful of the natural saltiness from the dried shrimp. You want to enhance, not overpower.
Step 8
Turn off the heat. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and mix well to coat the ingredients with its nutty aroma. Adding sesame oil after turning off the heat preserves its fragrance.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds (white or black) for garnish. Your delicious stir-fried round squash is ready! It’s wonderful served over a bowl of freshly steamed rice or as a delightful side dish for lunchboxes.
