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Zucchini Stir-Fry
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
divided
- 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 piece fresh ginger
minced, 1-inch
- 3 cloves garlic
minced, 2 tablespoons
- 1/2 medium yellow onion
thinly sliced
- 2 medium zucchini
cut into 1/4-inch half moons
- White and/or black sesame seeds
for garnish
Directions
- 1
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce, 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, red pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic. Set aside.
- 2
Cook the zucchini: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Sauté the onions until fragrant and softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and add zucchini and prepared sauce. Toss with a rubber spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and the zucchini is softened, about 7 minutes. If you notice any deep browning on the bottom of the skillet, turn your heat down slightly and add a splash of water to help deglaze those browned bits.
- 3
Serve: Transfer the zucchini onto a platter, top with sesame seeds, and serve. While this dish is best served immediately, you can throw your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove top or in the microwave when you’re ready to dig in for round two. Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!
Zucchini Stir-Fry
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About this Recipe
Looking for a lightning-fast, flavor-packed weeknight meal that’s both healthy and utterly delicious? This Zucchini Stir-Fry delivers vibrant taste and satisfying textures in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
The magic of this stir-fry lies in its perfectly balanced sauce. Combining savory soy sauce, aromatic toasted sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness from sugar, it’s all brightened by rice wine vinegar and given a gentle kick with crushed red pepper flakes. This blend perfectly coats the fresh zucchini, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
What to expect is a delightful combination of tender-crisp zucchini and thinly sliced yellow onion, all enveloped in a rich, glossy sauce. The minced fresh ginger and garlic provide an aromatic depth that is fundamental to the dish's appeal. Finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this dish offers a wonderful textural contrast and a nutty aroma that will have everyone reaching for more. It’s a remarkably easy dish to prepare, yielding four generous servings that feel light yet fulfilling.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or fewer crushed red pepper flakes. For those looking to add a protein, cooked shrimp, sliced chicken breast, or firm tofu would all be excellent additions. If you don't have rice wine vinegar on hand, a small amount of apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch, though it will subtly shift the flavor profile.
This Zucchini Stir-Fry is fantastic on its own as a light meal, or it makes an excellent side dish to grilled meats or fish. Serve it hot, garnished generously with white and/or black sesame seeds for visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor.