Stir-Fried Zucchini with Saeujeot (Salted Shrimp)
Flavorful Stir-Fried Zucchini with Salted Shrimp!
Zucchini is an affordable and readily available vegetable in supermarkets these days. It’s rich in carbohydrates, vitamin A, and vitamin C, making it easily digestible and an excellent choice for children’s nutrition or baby food. The lecithin in its seeds is also known for its benefits in preventing dementia and promoting brain development. While many enjoy stir-fried or seasoned zucchini dishes, adding vibrant colors can make the meal even more appetizing. This recipe features zucchini stir-fried with bell peppers for added nutrition, color, and texture, seasoned with saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp) for a delightful umami flavor. The natural sweetness of zucchini, the savory depth of saeujeot, and the crispness of bell peppers create a perfect side dish that pairs wonderfully with rice.
Main Ingredients- 1 Zucchini
- A small amount of Bell Peppers (yellow, red)
Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Saeujeot (Fermented Salted Shrimp)
- A pinch of Toasted Black Sesame Seeds for garnish
- 1/2 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp Saeujeot (Fermented Salted Shrimp)
- A pinch of Toasted Black Sesame Seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The vegetables used in this stir-fry are quite flexible. Feel free to use any variety of vegetables you have in your refrigerator based on your preference. While zucchini alone makes a delicious stir-fry, I’m adding yellow and red bell peppers to enhance the nutrition, visual appeal, and texture.
Step 2
You can slice the zucchini into half-moons or julienne it as you prefer. Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon of coarse salt over the sliced zucchini and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This light salting helps to season the zucchini subtly and prevents it from becoming mushy when stir-fried, maintaining its shape.
Step 3
While the zucchini is lightly salting, julienne the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces, similar in length to the zucchini slices.
Step 4
Now, heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the pan.
Step 6
Gently sauté the minced garlic in the sesame oil over low heat until fragrant. I prefer sautéing garlic in sesame oil, a tip I learned from my mother, as it adds a wonderful nutty aroma. However, you can use cooking oil if you prefer.
Step 7
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the prepared zucchini and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry them evenly, mixing them well. Cooking over medium heat, rather than high heat, will prevent the vegetables from burning and ensure they cook deliciously.
Step 8
When the zucchini is about halfway cooked, add 1/2 tablespoon of saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp). This is the key ingredient for adding that savory depth of flavor. Since I lightly salted the zucchini beforehand, 1/2 tablespoon is sufficient for me. However, you can adjust the amount of saeujeot based on whether you pre-salted the zucchini and your personal taste.
Step 9
After seasoning with saeujeot, continue to cook for a short while until all the ingredients are tender but not overcooked. This is where the magic happens to create a perfect stir-fry! Overcooking the zucchini will make it mushy and dull its vibrant color. I prefer to cook it just until it’s tender-crisp and retains its beautiful color.
Step 10
Don’t the colors look lovely together? The vibrant green of the zucchini and the colorful bell peppers make for a visually appealing dish. In the past, I only used salt for seasoning, but adding saeujeot truly elevates the umami taste. While this version uses only vegetables, feel free to add mushrooms or dried shrimp for even more delicious variations!
Step 11
The delightful crispness of the zucchini and bell peppers makes every bite enjoyable! As the weather gets warmer, I find myself drawn to quick and easy recipes that don’t require spending too much time over a hot stove. This zucchini stir-fry is affordable, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with nutrition. Give it a try and make a delicious meal with saeujeot!
