Stir-Fried Zucchini with Savory Shrimp Paste
Easy Korean Side Dish Recipe: Stir-Fried Zucchini with Shrimp Paste (Ae-Hobak Bokkeum)
I used to be hesitant about dishes with fermented seafood, but as I’ve grown to appreciate their complex flavors, I find myself incorporating them more often. Today, we’ll make a simple yet delicious side dish by stir-frying zucchini with savory shrimp paste. It’s a perfect accompaniment to rice!
Ingredients- 1 zucchini (medium size)
- 1/4 onion
- 1/3 bell pepper (using a mix of colors will make it more visually appealing)
- 1/3 green onion stalk
- 2/3 Tbsp salted shrimp (adjust amount to your preference)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables. Slice the zucchini into bite-sized pieces, about 1 cm thick. Cut the onion into similar-sized pieces as the zucchini. Seed the bell pepper and slice it to match the size of the zucchini for a vibrant touch. Finely chop the green onion, ready to be added for aroma.
Step 2
Heat the cooking oil (1.5 Tbsp) in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry gently until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Once the garlic turns translucent and releases its aroma, add the prepared onion, bell pepper, and zucchini to the pan.
Step 3
Increase the heat to medium-high and stir-fry vigorously for about 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften slightly. The key is to maintain a slight crispness in the zucchini while ensuring everything is evenly cooked. Keep stirring to prevent sticking.
Step 4
As the zucchini starts to lose its firm texture and soften, add the salted shrimp (2/3 Tbsp). For a cleaner flavor, you can either use only the solid parts of the shrimp paste (drained) or add just a tiny bit of the liquid. Stir gently to combine the shrimp paste with the vegetables and season evenly.
Step 5
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in the sesame oil (1 Tbsp) around the edges of the pan for extra fragrance. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. Your delicious and aromatic stir-fried zucchini with shrimp paste is ready! It’s also wonderful served over a bowl of warm rice.
