Sweet Zucchini and Onion Rice Bowl
A Delicious One-Bowl Meal Featuring Seasonal Zucchini
This fall, Korean zucchini (joseon hobak) is wonderfully sweet and flavorful, making it an excellent seasonal ingredient that’s both affordable and versatile. Today, I’m sharing a delightful recipe for a zucchini and onion rice bowl, perfectly seasoned to tantalize your taste buds. This vibrant one-bowl meal is sure to be a hit!
Main Ingredients- 1 Korean zucchini (joseon hobak)
- 1 onion
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Seasoning Sauce- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 4 Tbsp water
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Optional Ingredient (for extra spice)- 2 Cheongyang chili peppers
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce
- 4 Tbsp water
- 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Optional Ingredient (for extra spice)- 2 Cheongyang chili peppers
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the delicious seasoning sauce. Combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl: 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 4 Tbsp water, 1.5 Tbsp red pepper flakes, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. Mix well. If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes for a more delicate taste.
Step 2
Now, let’s prepare the main ingredients. Wash the Korean zucchini and the onion thoroughly. Slice them into strips, about 0.5 cm thick. Aim for a consistent thickness; if they are too thin, they might become mushy when cooked.
Step 3
Heat a wok or a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion to the hot pan and stir-fry until it becomes translucent. This process will help release the natural sweetness of the onion, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4
Once the onion starts to turn translucent, add the julienned Korean zucchini to the pan. Stir everything together to combine the onion and zucchini.
Step 5
Sauté the zucchini until it’s tender-crisp, avoiding overcooking it until it becomes completely soft. You want to maintain a slight bite for the best texture. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. The zucchini should be cooked through but still retain a bit of its pleasant crunch and natural sweetness.
Step 6
When the zucchini is cooked to your liking, pour the prepared seasoning sauce evenly over the ingredients in the pan. Gently stir and mix everything together with a spatula to ensure the sauce coats the vegetables evenly. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, being mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 7
Once the vegetables are well-coated and cooked with the sauce, it’s time for the finishing touches. Just before turning off the heat, add the chopped green onions or chives and mix them in lightly to infuse their fresh aroma. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, finely chop 2 Cheongyang chili peppers and add them now for an extra layer of heat and flavor.
Step 8
Prepare a bowl of warm rice. For an added nutritional boost and visual appeal, consider using rice cooked with turmeric powder. Spoon a generous portion of warm rice into your serving bowl.
Step 9
Top the warm rice with a hearty serving of the delicious zucchini and onion mixture you just prepared. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions. This is your wonderfully simple and satisfying #ZucchiniRiceBowl! Enjoy this delightful taste of autumn in a bowl.
