Hearty and Delicious Zucchini Stew
A Comforting Zucchini Stew Made with Round Zucchini
I made a delicious stew using round zucchini that was on sale at the supermarket! This recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 round zucchini (cut into 8 pieces, about 1.5 cm thick)
- 1/2 onion (sliced to a similar size as the zucchini)
- A small amount of green onion (chopped)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (chopped)
- 150g pork loin (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 600ml water
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 2 anchovy-kelp broth packets (or 2 cups of pre-made broth)
- A little MSG (Dasida) or soy sauce for seasoning
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (saeujeot) or shrimp extract
- 1/2 Tbsp soybean paste (doenjang)
- 1 Tbsp red pepper paste (gochujang)
- 2 anchovy-kelp broth packets (or 2 cups of pre-made broth)
- A little MSG (Dasida) or soy sauce for seasoning
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (saeujeot) or shrimp extract
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the round zucchini thoroughly. Cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 8 wedges (about 1.5 cm thick). You can scoop out the seeds from the center with a spoon for a cleaner stew.
Step 2
Slice the onion into pieces similar in size to the zucchini. Chop the green chili pepper and green onion finely to add a spicy kick and fresh aroma.
Step 3
Cut the pork loin into bite-sized pieces. While leftover curry meat works, using stew-specific pork cut will result in a more tender texture.
Step 4
In a pot or wok with high sides, heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil and 1 tsp of minced garlic over medium-low heat. Sauté until fragrant, allowing the garlic to infuse the oil and enhance the stew’s flavor.
Step 5
Add the pork to the pot and stir-fry until it’s browned. Searing the meat first helps to lock in its juices and flavor.
Step 6
Next, add the sliced zucchini and stir-fry briefly. Cooking the zucchini with the rendered pork fat will make it more tender and flavorful.
Step 7
Pour in 600ml of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, skim off any impurities that rise to the surface.
Step 8
Add 1/2 Tbsp of soybean paste (doenjang) and 1 Tbsp of red pepper paste (gochujang). Stir well to dissolve them into the broth. These two pastes will create a savory and slightly spicy base.
Step 9
Add 2 anchovy-kelp broth packets (or use 2 cups of pre-made broth). These will add a deep umami flavor to the stew.
Step 10
Add 1 tsp of MSG (Dasida) for an extra boost of savory flavor. You can omit this if you prefer to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Step 11
Add 1 Tbsp of salted shrimp (saeujeot) or shrimp extract to season. This ingredient adds a distinct savory depth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 12
Let the stew simmer over medium heat until the zucchini is tender. Finally, add the chopped onion and green onion, and cook for another minute or two until they are slightly softened. Your delicious and comforting zucchini stew is now ready to enjoy!
