Description
Korean Chilled Zucchini Sides feature thin zucchini slices seasoned with garlic, scallions, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds. A brief sauté keeps the zucchini crisp, refreshing, and perfect for serving cold or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
- 30 ounces zucchini, about 4 medium zucchini
- 2 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 green onions, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 to 3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted white sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Trim both ends from the zucchini and slice the zucchini into thin, even rounds with a mandoline slicer or sharp knife.
- Place the zucchini slices in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle them with the coarse sea salt.
- Gently rub the salt across the zucchini slices and let them rest for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, finely mince the garlic and chop the green onions.
- Gather small handfuls of zucchini and gently squeeze out the excess water without crushing the slices.
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat until warm.
- Add the avocado oil and raise the heat to medium-high.
- Add the zucchini and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add the garlic, green onions, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Sauté for 1 more minute, then turn off the heat immediately.
- Transfer the zucchini to a wide serving plate and garnish with extra scallions, sesame seeds, and toasted sesame oil.
- Serve at room temperature or refrigerate until chilled.
Notes
- Use medium zucchini for the best texture because oversized zucchini often contain more water and larger seeds.
- Do not skip the salting step because it removes moisture and prevents a watery finished dish.
- Avoid cooking the zucchini longer than 2 minutes so the slices stay lightly crisp.
- Cool the zucchini completely before placing it in an airtight storage container.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve cold or at room temperature and do not freeze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 68
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 981
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0