Korean Zucchini Side Dish, or Hobak Bokkeum (호박 볶음), is a simple and healthy dish made by stir-frying zucchini with garlic and a few basic seasonings. It’s mild, savory, and a great complement to any Korean meal. Here’s a quick and easy recipe:
Hobak Bokkeum (Korean Stir-Fried Zucchini) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini (Korean zucchini aehobak preferred, but any variety works)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (toasted)
- A pinch of salt (to taste)
- A pinch of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) — optional for a bit of spice
Instructions:
- Prepare the zucchini:
- Wash the zucchini and cut it into thin slices or half-moons (about ¼ inch thick).
- Sprinkle the zucchini slices with a pinch of salt and let them sit for about 5-10 minutes. This helps draw out some moisture and improves the texture.
- Stir-fry the zucchini:
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add the sesame oil.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the zucchini slices and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they become tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Stir in the soy sauce and green onion, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the zucchini is well-coated with the seasoning.
- Finish and serve:
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and optional gochugaru on top for a bit of heat.
- Remove from heat and serve the zucchini warm or at room temperature as a side dish.
Tips:
- You can adjust the salt and soy sauce according to your taste. If you prefer a stronger soy sauce flavor, add an extra teaspoon.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for variation.
This simple hobak bokkeum is a delicious and versatile dish that pairs well with rice and other Korean side dishes (banchan)!