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Spicy Garlic Chinese Zucchini Recipe

Spicy Garlic Chinese Zucchini Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 17 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 1x
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A quick, bold, umami-rich stir-fry featuring zucchini noodles or ribbons, coated in a spicy garlic sauce and topped with sesame seeds.


Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Noodles:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized or thinly sliced into ribbons

Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (like sambal oelek or Sriracha)
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

Garnish:

  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Optional: chopped scallions or crushed peanuts

Instructions

  1. Prep zucchini: Spiralize or thinly slice zucchini. Pat with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cook aromatics: In a large pan or wok over medium heat, add sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, chili garlic sauce, and honey. Let it simmer.
  4. Thicken: Add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly (about 1–2 minutes).
  5. Add zucchini: Toss in the zucchini and cook for just 2–3 minutes, stirring well to coat. Don’t overcook — you want it tender but not soggy.
  6. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and scallions or peanuts. Serve warm with rice or noodles, or as-is!