Sweet and Crisp Stir-Fried Zucchini Side Dish
[Budget-Friendly! Stir-Fried Zucchini] Make a Delicious Side Dish for Under $1 with This Easy Recipe
As grocery prices rise, it’s a great time to make this sweet and crisp stir-fried zucchini dish for about $1! This recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for adding a flavorful homemade side to your meals. Enjoy this easy-to-make, budget-friendly staple.
Main Ingredients- 1 zucchini
- 1/4 onion
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the zucchini thoroughly. Cut it in half lengthwise, then slice each half into approximately 0.5 cm thick half-moon shapes. Peel the onion and slice it into thin strips. Try to match the thickness of the onion slices to the zucchini for even cooking.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of perilla oil. Add 1/3 tablespoon of minced garlic and stir-fry for about 15 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. You’ll know it’s ready when a gentle garlic aroma fills the air.
Step 3
Add both the sliced onion and zucchini to the pan. Drizzle in an additional 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. You can use any cooking oil you have on hand, such as olive oil or canola oil.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to medium and stir-fry the zucchini and onion together. Once the onion begins to turn translucent about halfway through, add 1 tablespoon of salted fermented shrimp (saeu-jeot) for seasoning. This will add a deep umami flavor to the dish.
Step 5
Continue to stir-fry, checking the tenderness of the zucchini to your preference. It’s best when the zucchini is cooked through but still retains a slight crispness. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired texture.
Step 6
Once the zucchini is fully cooked, turn off the heat. If desired, sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper. This step is optional.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds over the top to finish. This adds a lovely nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 8
For a decorative touch, I added a few chili threads. You can also garnish with parsley flakes or other toppings if you like. This stir-fried zucchini is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your homemade side dish!
