Kim Dae-seok's Zucchini Side Dish

Name: Kim Dae-seok's Zucchini Side Dish
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: zucchini 1 piece; onion 1/2 piece; salt 1/4 tablespoon (for marinating); shrimp paste 1/3 tablespoon (for marinating); minced garlic 1/2 tablespoon; vegetable oil 1 tablespoon; water 1/4 cup; sesame oil 1 tablespoon; toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon

Sliced zucchini in a jagged pattern and marinated in shrimp paste, then stir-fried to create a crisp, firm texture with deep savory flavor—perfect as a side dish for rice.

30 min Difficulty Easy side dish

Main ingredients

zucchinionionshrimp pasteminced garlicsesame oil

Ingredients needed 2 servings

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zucchini onion shrimp paste minced garlic sesame oil

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zucchini 1 piece

onion 1/2 piece

salt 1/4 tablespoon (for marinating)

shrimp paste 1/3 tablespoon (for marinating)

minced garlic 1/2 tablespoon

vegetable oil 1 tablespoon

water 1/4 cup

sesame oil 1 tablespoon

toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon

Recipe

Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut it into large, jagged pieces at an angle.
Mix the sliced zucchini with 1/4 tablespoon of salt and 1/3 tablespoon of shrimp paste, then let it marinate for 20 minutes.
Cut half an onion into slightly coarse pieces and set aside loosely.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the onions and lightly stir-fry until translucent to bring out their sweetness.
Add the marinated zucchini (with the liquid) to the pan and stir-fry together with the onions over medium heat for about 1 minute.
Add 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic, mix well, cover the pan, and simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid when the zucchini is tender yet firm, turn off the heat, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds evenly over the dish. Gently toss to combine and finish.

Cut zucchini into large jagged pieces and marinate with salt and shrimp paste for 20 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan, stir-fry onions until translucent, then add the marinated zucchini and cook for 1 more minute.
Add water and minced garlic, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Finish by sprinkling sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds.

Cooking tips

Cutting zucchini in a jagged, skipping motion helps prevent it from breaking apart during stir-frying, preserving its firm, crisp texture.
Marinating with salt and shrimp paste before cooking allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the zucchini, doubling the savory depth.
No sugar is needed—the natural sweetness from the onions and zucchini shines through, resulting in a clean, refreshing, and satisfying taste.

Recommended for

Those who struggle with zucchini that turns soggy or mushy when stir-fried.
People looking for a simple-to-prep side dish with deep umami flavor.
Anyone wanting to fully enjoy the natural sweetness and crisp texture of fresh zucchini.

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Kim Dae-seok's Zucchini Side Dish

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Tags 🏷️

Ingredients needed 🛒2 servings