Quick and Delicious Sautéed Zucchini: A Perfect Side Dish
Whip Up a Delicious Sautéed Zucchini Side Dish in No Time
Zucchini is so affordable these days! You can often find them sold in packs of two for around 2,000 won. With the rainy season approaching, vegetable prices are bound to go up. So, I’m planning to make the most of them while they’re cheap and fresh! Today’s menu is sautéed zucchini. Lately, my fridge has been lacking side dishes, so I feel the need to cook more savory dishes than snacks. This simple yet satisfying sautéed zucchini is perfect for any meal!
Main Ingredients- 1 medium zucchini
- 1/2 onion
- 1 red chili pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly. Slice it into half-moon shapes, about 0.7-1 cm thick. Cutting them a bit thick helps prevent them from breaking apart during cooking. Slice the onion into strips and thinly slice the red chili pepper diagonally after removing the seeds. The red chili pepper adds a vibrant color, making the dish visually appealing.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté over medium-low heat until fragrant, creating garlic-infused oil. This step significantly enhances the depth of flavor in the sautéed zucchini. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the sliced zucchini and onion to the pan. Stir in the salted shrimp, cooking wine, and plum extract. Salted shrimp adds a savory umami flavor, cooking wine helps eliminate any raw smell from the zucchini, and plum extract provides a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall aroma.
Step 4
Turn the heat to medium and sauté until the zucchini becomes translucent and tender. Zucchini cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking, which can make it mushy. Aim for a slightly tender texture with a bit of bite. You can check for doneness by piercing with a chopstick.
Step 5
When the zucchini is almost cooked, add the sliced red chili pepper and stir-fry briefly. Adding the chili pepper at the end preserves its bright color and crisp texture, making the dish both attractive and tasty. Its mild spicy aroma will further entice your appetite.
Step 6
Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning. While the salted shrimp provides a base flavor, add a pinch of salt if needed to match your preference. Once all ingredients are well combined, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty finish. Your delicious sautéed zucchini is ready! Serve it over warm rice for a delightful meal.
