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Spicy Garlic Soy Sauce Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Spicy Garlic Soy Sauce Zucchini Stir-Fry that combines tender-crisp zucchini with aromatic garlic, scallions, and a balanced spicy soy sauce glaze. This quick and easy Chinese-inspired side dish is perfect for those seeking a gluten-free and vegan option bursting with bold flavors.

  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan