Description
Savory Zucchini Stir Fry delivers a quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish packed with garden-fresh ingredients. Crisp vegetables and tender zucchini combine with aromatic seasonings for a delightful meal you can easily prepare in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchinis (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ cup chopped onion or green onion
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ½ tsp fresh ginger (grated, optional)
- 1 tsp (5 mL) rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preparation: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, creating a shimmering base for the stir-fry.
- Aromatics: Sauté minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onions until fragrant, releasing their intense, spicy essence throughout the kitchen.
- Vegetable Cooking: Add zucchini to the pan, stirring consistently to ensure even cooking and preserve its bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
- Seasoning: Splash soy sauce and rice vinegar over the vegetables, sprinkling red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle, warming heat.
- Flavor Development: Thoroughly toss ingredients, allowing the liquid to create a glossy, savory coating while letting the vegetables caramelize at the edges.
- Final Touches: Season with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and visual dimension.
- Serving: Immediately transfer to a serving dish, capturing the vibrant, fresh flavors of this quick and elegant stir-fry.
Notes
- Control Moisture: Pat zucchini dry with paper towels before cooking to prevent excess water release, ensuring a crisp and perfectly sautéed texture instead of a soggy result.
- Slice Uniformly: Cut zucchini into consistent, thin slices for even cooking and attractive presentation, allowing each piece to absorb flavors and cook simultaneously.
- Quick High-Heat Technique: Maintain medium-high heat and rapid stirring to preserve zucchini’s bright green color and tender-crisp texture, preventing overcooking and mushy consistency.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free version, add protein like tofu or chicken for more substantial meal, and experiment with different spice levels to suit personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg