If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any meal, this Easy Asian Pan-Fried Zucchini is the perfect choice. The zucchini is sliced thin, then pan-fried until golden and crisp around the edges, absorbing the delicious flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. With the addition of a little heat from red chili pepper flakes and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture, this dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures in just minutes. It’s ideal for a busy weeknight or when you want something light and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 large zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Soy sauce (or coconut aminos for Whole30, Paleo, or soy-free)
- Fish sauce (ensure it’s Whole30 compliant if needed)
- Sesame oil
- Red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- Ground black pepper
- Sesame seeds
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Slice the zucchini into thin rounds, making sure the pieces are uniform for even cooking.
- Pan-Fry the Zucchini:
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Lay the zucchini slices in the pan in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
- Add the Seasoning:
- Once the zucchini is pan-fried, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and chopped green onion to the pan.
- Drizzle some soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option), a splash of fish sauce, and a few drops of sesame oil over the zucchini.
- Stir gently to coat the zucchini slices evenly.
- Season the Zucchini:
- Sprinkle with red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru), ground black pepper, and sesame seeds to taste.
- Toss everything together one last time.
- Serve:
- Remove the pan from heat and serve the zucchini hot.
- This dish is perfect as a side to complement grilled meats, stir-fries, or even as a light main course.
Conclusion:
This Easy Asian Pan-Fried Zucchini is a quick, versatile, and flavorful dish that can be whipped up in under 10 minutes. The combination of savory soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, and a touch of spice makes the zucchini pop with flavor while keeping it light and healthy. Whether you need a simple side or a quick snack, this recipe delivers satisfying results with minimal effort. Plus, it’s easily adaptable for Whole30 or Paleo diets by using coconut aminos and compliant fish sauce.
Quick and Easy Asian Pan-Fried Zucchini: A Perfect Side Dish
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini sliced into thin rounds
- 1 green onion finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Soy sauce or coconut aminos for Whole30, Paleo, or soy-free
- Fish sauce ensure it’s Whole30 compliant if needed
- Sesame oil
- Red chili pepper flakes gochugaru
- Ground black pepper
- Sesame seeds
- Olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Zucchini:
- Slice the zucchini into thin rounds, making sure the pieces are uniform for even cooking.
Pan-Fry the Zucchini:
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Lay the zucchini slices in the pan in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
Add the Seasoning:
- Once the zucchini is pan-fried, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and chopped green onion to the pan.
- Drizzle some soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option), a splash of fish sauce, and a few drops of sesame oil over the zucchini.
- Stir gently to coat the zucchini slices evenly.
Season the Zucchini:
- Sprinkle with red chili pepper flakes (gochugaru), ground black pepper, and sesame seeds to taste.
- Toss everything together one last time.
Serve:
- Remove the pan from heat and serve the zucchini hot.
- This dish is perfect as a side to complement grilled meats, stir-fries, or even as a light main course.