Ingredients
Vegetables
- 450 grams (~1 lb.) zucchini, cut into bite-size wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced
- 5 dried red chilies, seeded and roughly chopped
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Other
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Corn starch slurry (1 teaspoon corn starch + 2 teaspoons water, mixed well)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic, separate the white and green parts of the scallions, and thinly slice them. Seed and roughly chop the dried red chilies. Cut the zucchini into bite-sized wedges.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, white parts of the scallions, and chopped dried red chilies. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Zucchini: Add the zucchini wedges to the pan and stir well to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini becomes tender yet remains crisp.
- Add Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar. Pour this sauce mixture over the zucchini in the pan and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Thicken Sauce: Allow the sauce to come to a boil, then add the prepared corn starch slurry (1 teaspoon corn starch mixed with 2 teaspoons water). Stir continuously until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil and half of the green parts of the scallions, and toss gently to combine. Transfer the stir-fry to a serving plate and garnish with the remaining green scallions.
Notes
- Adjust the number of dried red chilies to control spiciness according to preference.
- ShaoXing wine adds authentic depth but can be substituted with dry sherry or mirin if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure soy sauce is certified gluten-free or use tamari.
- Do not overcook zucchini to maintain a crisp tender texture.
- Corn starch slurry is essential for thickening the sauce; mix thoroughly to avoid lumps.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan