Transform ordinary zucchini into an exciting Asian-inspired dish with this quick and flavorful stir-fry recipe. This vibrant combination of crisp-tender vegetables and umami-rich sauce creates a perfect side dish or light main course that comes together in minutes. The glossy glaze and aromatic seasonings make this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchini (about 450g), cut diagonally ½-inch thick
- 1 red bell pepper (about 150g), julienned
- 8 cloves garlic (about 24g), minced or thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh parsley (about 15g), chopped
Sauce & Seasonings:
- 100ml (about ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15g) sugar
- 1 tablespoon (9g) sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon (2g) chili pepper
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and dry all vegetables thoroughly
- Slice zucchini diagonally into ½-inch thick pieces
- Cut red bell pepper into thin strips (julienne)
- Mince or thinly slice garlic cloves
- Roughly chop fresh parsley
- Set all prepared vegetables aside
- Create the Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- Soy sauce
- Sugar
- Chili pepper
- Whisk until sugar is completely dissolved
- Set aside
- Heat the Pan
- Place a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat
- Add olive oil and allow to heat until shimmering
- Test with a small piece of garlic – it should sizzle gently
- Cook the Vegetables
- Add minced garlic to hot oil
- Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Add zucchini and bell pepper
- Keep vegetables moving for 3-4 minutes
- Add Sauce and Finish
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture
- Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes
- Vegetables should be tender-crisp
- Sauce will reduce and become glossy
- Final Touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds
- Add chopped parsley
- Toss everything together
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Vitamin C: 85mg
- Vitamin A: 1250IU
Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Serves: 4 people
Pro Cooking Tips
- Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking
- Use a wok or large skillet to prevent overcrowding
- Keep vegetables moving constantly while stir-frying
- Don’t overcook zucchini – it should remain slightly crisp
- Heat pan thoroughly before adding oil
- Have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook
Variations and Substitutions
- Oil Options:
- Replace olive oil with:
- Vegetable oil
- Peanut oil
- Sesame oil (use less due to stronger flavor)
- Vegetable Additions:
- Yellow squash
- Snap peas
- Carrots
- Mushrooms
- Baby corn
- Sauce Variations:
- Add oyster sauce
- Include hoisin sauce
- Mix in rice vinegar
- Add ginger
- Use honey instead of sugar
Common FAQs
Q: Why are my vegetables too watery?
A: This usually happens when the pan isn’t hot enough or is overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary and use high heat.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead?
A: While best served fresh, it can be stored for up to 2 days. Reheat quickly in a hot pan to maintain texture.
Q: Is this dish very spicy?
A: The heat level is mild but adjustable. Reduce or increase chili pepper to taste.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: Fresh is preferred, but if using dried herbs, use 1 teaspoon dried parsley instead of fresh.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Immediate Storage:
- Allow to cool completely
- Store in airtight container
- Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days
- Reheating Methods:
- Stir-fry in hot pan for 2-3 minutes
- Microwave for 1 minute (texture will be softer)
- Add fresh sesame seeds when reheating
- Prep-Ahead Options:
- Cut vegetables up to 24 hours ahead
- Store prepped vegetables in sealed containers
- Make sauce up to 3 days ahead
- Toast sesame seeds in advance
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed rice
- Pair with grilled proteins
- Add to noodle dishes
- Enjoy as a side dish
This Asian-Style Glazed Zucchini Stir-Fry offers a delicious way to enjoy summer vegetables with bold Asian flavors. Quick to prepare and adaptable to various tastes, it’s a versatile dish that works equally well as a side dish or light main course when served over rice or noodles.