Easy Korean Zucchini
Korean zucchini is an easy and flavorful side dish that is ready in just minutes! Fresh zucchini is sauteed with plenty of garlic, green onions, and fish sauce before being topped off with sesame seeds. It is a quick and easy side dish that pairs so well with so many weeknight dinners.
This korean zucchini recipe became one of our favorites this summer. It is so easy to make, only requires a few ingredients, and is ready in less than 10 minutes. And the fact that its delicious and my kids love it makes it a huge win in my book! You will want to add this to your meal plan rotation soon, trust me!
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How to make this easy zucchini recipe
This recipe is simple to make! For the full set of directions, please scroll down to the recipe card below. This is just a general overview on how to make it to help you plan.
- Wash and pat the zucchini dry. Trim off the edges.
- Slice the zucchini into thin slices.
- In a large skillet, head 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini slices and the garlic and fish sauce.
- Sautee, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
- Add in 2 Tablespoons of water along with the green onions and sesame seeds and oil.
- Sautee for 1 minute, until the water has been absorbed and the zucchini slices are tender.
- Serve immediately.
Prepping Ahead of Time
This recipe takes no time at all to make, but if you need to work this into your meal prep, you can definitely do that! Here are ways you can meal prep or use shortcuts to make this recipe quicker.
- Slice the zucchini ahead of time and store it in a container with an air tight lid for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
- Use pre-minced garlic or a garlic puree you find in the produce section of your local grocery store.
- Use freeze dried green onions that are pre-chopped.
Storage Information
This zucchini can be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and then warm again for an additional 30 seconds.
How to serve this to your family
This easy side dish is a great addition to many meals. You don’t have to stick to only Korean meals, either – this recipe goes so well with so many things! Try pairing it with Instant Pot Asian sticky ribs, Crispy Tofu, Mongolian Beef, or Orange Chicken for a well rounded flavorful meal.
Tips
How to make this side dish kid friendly
This zucchini recipe is mild and flavorful, and is a great kid friendly recipe. Here are some simple ways that you can help your kids be more interested in trying it:
- Reading books about Korean food
- Helping out in the kitchen to make it
- Having fun dinner conversations around the meal
Kids in the kitchen: How your kids can help you cook
Inviting kids into the kitchen to cook is an important and easy way for them to be more interested in trying new foods. The more ownership and curiosity they have about a food, the more likely they are to try it.
This Korean zucchini recipe is a really great recipe for kids to help with because its so simple. Here is how your kids can help:
- Kids aged 1-3 can help you wash and dry the zucchini, wash the green onions, and help you measure ingredients.
- Kids aged 4-6 can do everything above plus help cut the zucchini into circles (with adult supervision), and help slice the green onions.
- Kids aged 7-10+ can help you do everything above, plus help you mince the garlic and saute everything together.
*Please note that these recommendations are generalized, and to please use your personal discretion with your child’s skill level. And always, always supervise! Read more about how to have your children help you in the kitchen.
Dinner conversations with kids
How we talk to our kids about their food has a huge impact on how they feel about it, which has an impact on how willing they are to try and like it. Try these conversation starters to get you going:
- How is this zucchini different than other zucchini recipes we have had?
- Do you feel like the sesame seeds add anything to the recipe?
- Do you like this zucchini softer or more crunchy? How shall we cook it next time?
Read more about how to explore the sense of taste with your kids.
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Easy Korean Zucchini Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 small zucchini
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
Instructions
- Wash the zucchini and pat dry. Slice off the ends.
- Slice the zucchini into thin slices.
- In a large skillet, head 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini slices and the garlic and fish sauce.
- Sautee, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
- Add in 2 Tablespoons of water along with the green onions and sesame seeds and oil.
- Sautee for 1 minute, until the water has been absorbed and the zucchini slices are tender.
- Serve immediately.
