Description
This Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi Zucchini is a simple and delicious side dish featuring sautéed zucchini with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame flavors. Perfectly cooked in a skillet, it offers a tender texture with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and toasted sesame seeds for an authentic hibachi experience at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis
Oils and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Wash the Zucchinis: Begin by washing the zucchinis thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Trim both ends off the zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise.
- Slice the Zucchini: Slice each half into quarter-inch thick half-moon shapes to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan on the stove and set the heat to medium-high.
- Add Olive Oil: Add one tablespoon of olive oil into the hot pan and let it heat for about 30 seconds until shimmering.
- Add Butter: Once the oil is hot, add one tablespoon of butter to the pan.
- Combine Fats: Let the butter melt completely while swirling the pan gently to combine the butter and olive oil evenly.
- Sauté Garlic: Add one teaspoon of minced garlic to the pan and stir it around for 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt.
- Add Zucchini to Pan: Place the sliced zucchini pieces into the pan in a single layer to promote nicely browned sides.
- Cook Undisturbed: Let the zucchini cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a slight golden-brown color on one side.
- Stir Zucchini: After 2 minutes, stir the zucchini gently to allow the other sides to cook evenly.
- Season the Zucchini: Season with one teaspoon of soy sauce, half a teaspoon of sesame oil, quarter teaspoon black pepper, and quarter teaspoon salt, stirring to mix well.
- Continue Cooking: Stir the zucchini continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until tender and the seasonings are well distributed.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle one tablespoon of sesame seeds over the zucchini and stir to combine.
- Add Heat: Add one-quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes and stir evenly to incorporate a mild spicy kick.
- Toast Sesame Seeds: Cook for another minute so the sesame seeds toast slightly for added flavor and texture.
- Remove from Heat: Remove the pan from heat once the zucchini is tender and all ingredients are well combined.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked zucchini to a serving plate and serve immediately for best taste and freshness.
Notes
- Use medium zucchinis for the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for more or less heat.
- Serve immediately as zucchini tends to get soggy if left sitting.
- Can be paired with hibachi-style grilled meats or rice for a complete meal.
