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Easy Korean Zucchini

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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.

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.
overhead view of zucchini cooked with green onions and sesame seeds
white bowl with sautéed zucchini cut into half moon shapes, sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions

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! 

close up of korean zucchini recipe in white bowl with serving spoon

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.

  1. Wash and pat the zucchini dry. Trim off the edges.
  2. Slice the zucchini into thin slices.
  3. In a large skillet, head 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. 
  4. Add the zucchini slices and the garlic and fish sauce.
  5. Sautee, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add in 2 Tablespoons of water along with the green onions and sesame seeds and oil.
  7. Sautee for 1 minute, until the water has been absorbed and the zucchini slices are tender.
  8. Serve immediately.  
slicing and sautéing zucchini

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. 

overhead view of zucchini cooked with green onions and sesame seeds
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:

  1. Kids aged 1-3 can help you wash and dry the zucchini, wash the green onions, and help you measure ingredients.
  2. Kids aged 4-6 can do everything above plus help cut the zucchini into circles (with adult supervision), and help slice the green onions.
  3. 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.

korean zucchini in white bowl

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overhead view of zucchini cooked with green onions and sesame seeds

Easy Korean Zucchini Recipe

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.
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Course: Kid Friendly Side Dishes, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 97kcal
Author: Jenni

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.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 125mg | Potassium: 719mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 811IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg

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