Description
A vibrant, spicy garlic Chinese zucchini stir-fry featuring tender zucchini slices tossed in a flavorful chili-soy sauce, enhanced with fresh garlic, ginger, and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Quick and easy to prepare, this stir-fry makes a perfect light side dish or a healthy vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
Seasonings and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their flavors.
- Cook zucchini: Add the zucchini slices and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in chili paste, soy sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and water; cook for another 2 minutes to blend flavors and slightly soften the zucchini.
- Finish stir-fry: Continue stir-frying until the zucchini is just tender and all pieces are evenly coated with the spicy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, transfer to a serving plate, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch and color.
Notes
- Adjust chili paste quantity to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Fresh zucchinis work best for tender texture; avoid overcooking to maintain crispness.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
