Description
This Spicy Asian Zucchini recipe features tender pan-seared zucchini halves topped with a flavorful, aromatic sauce made from garlic, sambal oelek, sesame oil, soy sauce, and mirin. Finished with crispy fried shallots and fresh green onions, it offers a delightful blend of textures and vibrant Asian-inspired flavors, perfect as a side dish or light snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini
- 5 small/medium zucchinis, cut in half lengthwise
- 1 tbsp canola oil (or other plain oil)
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 tbsp canola oil (or other plain oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tbsp sambal oelek (substitute: sriracha or chili crisp)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce (not dark soy)
- 2 tbsp mirin (substitute: honey)
- 1/4 cup crispy fried shallots
- 1 green onion stem, finely sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Toss the halved zucchinis in 1 tablespoon of canola oil, then sprinkle with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss again to coat evenly to ensure they cook with flavor.
- Cook the zucchini: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place half of the zucchini cut side down in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and caramelized. Flip and cook the skin side for an additional 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and repeat with the remaining zucchini.
- Make the sauce: Cool the pan slightly and return it to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon canola oil, then sauté the minced garlic until it turns light golden and fragrant. Stir in sambal oelek, toasted sesame oil, light soy sauce, and mirin. Simmer the sauce for about 30 seconds until it becomes syrupy and well combined.
- Serve: Pour the sauce over the cooked zucchini. Top with crispy fried shallots and finely sliced green onion. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use small to medium zucchinis for better texture and quicker cooking.
- Substitute sambal oelek with sriracha or chili crisp if unavailable for similar spicy flavor.
- Use light soy sauce instead of dark soy to keep the sauce light and not too overpowering.
- Mirin can be substituted with honey if mirin is unavailable to add sweetness.
- Ensure the pan is hot for proper caramelization of zucchini for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: zucchini, spicy zucchini, Asian zucchini recipe, stovetop vegetable, sambal oelek zucchini, vegetarian side dish
