Description
This quick and flavorful Japanese Zucchini & Onion Stir-Fry is a weeknight savior, delivering tender-crisp vegetables in an umami-rich sauce. It’s incredibly easy to make and packed with delicious, savory-sweet notes.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, cut into half-moons or quarter-rounds
- 1 medium yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sake (optional, but recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon high smoke point oil (canola, grapeseed, or peanut)
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, for finishing
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Vegetables: Wash and cut zucchini into uniform 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick pieces. Slice onion thinly. Mince ginger and garlic.
- 2. Whisk Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), and sugar. Whisk until sugar is dissolved.
- 3. Heat Pan: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon high smoke point oil and heat until shimmering.
- 4. Sauté Onions: Add sliced onions to the hot pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
- 5. Add Aromatics & Zucchini: Add minced ginger and garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add zucchini and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- 6. Add Sauce: Pour the whisked sauce over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the vegetables.
- 7. Finish & Serve: Remove from heat. Drizzle with toasted sesame oil and toss. Serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins