Ready to add a bold, flavorful twist to your meals? Try our Spicy Japanese Zucchini recipe - healthy, delicious, and full of zing!
Japanese Zucchini
This tasty zucchini stir-fry mixes Japanese flavors with zucchini to make a great side dish you'll want again and again.
Whether you're an experienced cook or just learning, this recipe is easy to make and fun to eat!
If you love Zucchini, make sure you try out this Baked Zucchini Slices or even this delicious Mexican Taco Zucchini Boats.
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Why You’ll Enjoy These Japanese Zucchini
Japanese zucchini is not just another vegetable side dish. It's a fusion of simple ingredients that come together to create a healthy dish bursting with umami and satisfying crunch.
💖 Flavorful and Healthy: Packed with essential nutrients, this dish is both tasty and good for you.
💖 Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, it takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
💖 Versatile: Can be served as a side dish or a main course with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- Zucchini - Look for young, firm zucchini with smooth skin. No need to peel the skin. Use any regular store bought type of zucchini.
- Vegetable oil - Canola, olive oil or sunflower oil are good options for stir-frying.
- Garlic - Fresh garlic adds depth of flavor to the dish.
- Soy sauce - A staple in Japanese cuisine, soy sauce brings that signature umami taste. Feel free to substitute with tamari.
- Sesame oil - A little bit of sesame oil adds a nutty, rich flavor. Regular or toasted sesame oil.
- Salt and pepper - Add to taste. You might not need much salt since the soy or teriyaki sauce brings plenty of savory flavor.
- Sesame seeds - For garnish and added texture.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make This Japanese Zucchini
- Slice the zucchini into pieces about 2 inches long, then cut each piece into 6 smaller sections. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and mix well to prevent the zucchini from absorbing too much oil during sautéing.
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the sauce, and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
- Remove the pan from the heat, transfer the zucchini to a serving plate, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Tips on Japanese Zucchini
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini and garlic will give the best flavor. Avoid using canned or frozen zucchini, as they can get mushy when cooked.
- Medium-High Heat: Cooking at medium-high heat ensures a perfect char without making the zucchini soggy. This gives it that delightful hibachi-style texture.
- Experiment with Sauces: Feel free to experiment with other Japanese sauces like miso or gochujang to add different flavor profiles to your zucchini stir-fry.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of mains:
🥒 Read Next: 10 Top Zucchini Recipes
Freezing And Storing Instructions
- To Store. Store any leftover Japanese zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze. Zucchini can get mushy when frozen, and for this reason I don't recommend freezing it. If you want to make it for meal prep, simply slice the zucchini 4 days ahead and store in a container in the fridge.
- Reheating. Reheat in a skillet over medium-high heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or more sauce to refresh the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the zucchini soggy.
If you have leftover zucchini, read these tips and tricks on how to store zucchini.
Variations for Japanese Zucchini
🍗 Add Protein - Add grilled chicken, beef, or tofu to make this dish a main course.
🧅 Include More Veggies - Mix in sliced bell peppers, thick cut onions, or yellow squash for added color and nutrition.
More Favorite Zucchini Recipes
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Recipe Card
Japanese Zucchini
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INGREDIENTS
For Zucchini
- 1 pound zucchini, I used 2
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- fresh chopped parsley , or cilantro for garnish
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoon tamari
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
INSTRUCTIONS
- Slice the zucchini into pieces about 2 inches long, then cut each piece into 6 smaller sections. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and mix well to prevent the zucchini from absorbing too much oil during sautéing.1 pound zucchini, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients.3 tablespoon tamari, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon garlic, ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the sauce, and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.
- Remove the pan from the heat, transfer the zucchini to a serving plate, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, fresh chopped parsley
NOTES
- To Store. Store any leftover Japanese zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- To Freeze. Zucchini can get mushy when frozen, and for this reason I don't recommend freezing it. If you want to make it for meal prep, simply slice the zucchini 4 days ahead and store in a container in the fridge.
- Reheating. Reheat in a skillet over medium-high heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or more sauce to refresh the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the zucchini soggy.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Japanese Zucchini FAQ:
No, zucchini and Japanese cucumber are two different types of vegetables. Zucchini is a type of summer squash, while Japanese cucumber belongs to the gourd family.
Japanese zucchinis can be prepared in various ways depending on personal preference. They can be sliced into rounds or thin strips, grated, or even spiralized. They can be cooked by steaming, stir-frying, grilling, or baking.
Japanese zucchinis are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that help fight against diseases and promote overall health. Additionally, they are low in calories and can be a great addition to a balanced diet.
To avoid soggy zucchini, it is important to cook and drain the vegetables properly. When cooking zucchini, use high heat and cook for a short amount of time.
Zoe
I love the hibachi vegetables, always incredible flavor!