Crispy Zucchini Stir-fry with Saeujeot (Salted Shrimp)
How to Stir-fry Zucchini Perfectly Crispy: Zucchini Namul with Saeujeot
My dear neighbor gifted me some zucchini they harvested from their weekend farm! To highlight the fresh zucchini’s natural flavor, I stir-fried it with just a touch of saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp) for a delicious, crisp zucchini namul. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with rice.
Main Ingredients- 1 zucchini (approx. 400g)
- 1/4 stalk of green onion (white parts preferred)
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse sea salt (for salting zucchini)
Seasoning & Aromatics- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp, including liquid)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp, including liquid)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly and pat it dry. Slice it into half-moon shapes about 0.5cm thick. Avoid slicing too thinly, as it can become mushy when stir-fried.
Step 2
Place the sliced zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 Tbsp of coarse sea salt. Gently massage it in and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out the moisture. Salting the zucchini beforehand helps it stay crisp.
Step 3
After 10 minutes, drain the liquid that has accumulated in the bowl. Rinse the zucchini lightly under cold water to remove any excess salt. Then, firmly squeeze out as much water as possible using your hands. Excess water can make the dish watery and soft.
Step 4
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped green onion and 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic. Stir-fry slowly until fragrant, creating a fragrant green onion oil. Be careful not to burn the aromatics; a gentle aroma is key.
Step 5
Add the squeezed zucchini to the pan with the green onion oil. Season with 1 Tbsp of saeujeot and a pinch of black pepper. Saeujeot adds a savory depth and acts as the primary seasoning.
Step 6
Increase the heat to medium and stir-fry the zucchini. Cook just until the zucchini turns slightly translucent and still retains a pleasant crispness, about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking will make it mushy.
Step 7
Once the zucchini is perfectly crisp-tender, turn off the heat. Finish by drizzling in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkling with 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine. Your delicious zucchini namul is ready! It’s also wonderful served over a bowl of hot rice.
