Hello, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m about to take you on an exciting journey to discover a dish that’s been my ultimate creation—a dish that’ll make your taste buds dance, your kitchen smell divine, and your heart happy. We’re diving into a stir-fry like no other, one that was born out of necessity and pure craving. That’s right—let me introduce to you my Zucchini Stir-Fry with Prawns, a dish so vibrant, so easy to make, and so satisfying. If you’re tired of the same boring veggies, I’m here to show you how a humble zucchini can steal the spotlight!
From Jicama Dreams to Zucchini Zest: My Sydney Stir-Fry Revelation
Now, before I get into the recipe (don’t worry, it’s coming soon!), I’ve got to tell you the story behind this creation. It wasn’t always this simple. In fact, there was a time when I was desperately craving a stir-fry featuring jicama (you know, that crispy, slightly sweet, and subtly earthy root vegetable) that I used to make back in the day at Malaysia. Every time I saw it in a Asean store, the price tag made me wince. My beloved jicama stir-fry, a dish I had enjoyed so regularly, became a distant, wistful memory.
I missed the crunch, the subtle sweetness, the way it soaked up the flavours of the other ingredients. I missed the quick, easy weeknight meals it provided. I missed it so much that I started dreaming about it. Seriously. I’d wake up craving that familiar taste, only to be met with the reality of exorbitant prices or, more often, empty shelves where the jicama should have been.
This jicama drought sparked a culinary quest. I wasn’t going to let my stir-fry dreams die. I was determined to recreate the essence of my favourite dish, even without the star ingredient. I needed a substitute, something readily available in Sydney, something affordable, something… When I moved to Sydney, Australia—where zucchini is available year-round and is a fraction of the cost of jicama—something magical happened. I realized I didn’t need jicama at all. Instead, I could craft a stir-fry using zucchini that would hit all the right notes of flavor, texture, and freshness. And the best part? It’s a budget-friendly dish that’s just as satisfying as the one I originally created with jicama. So, let’s dive into this flavor-packed zucchini stir-fry recipe that’ll make you say goodbye to boring veggies for good!
Why Zucchini?
Zucchini is one of those vegetables that is often overlooked, but it’s a superstar in disguise. It’s light, slightly sweet, and has a lovely soft texture when cooked. Unlike some vegetables that become mushy, zucchini can hold its shape while absorbing all the flavors of the stir-fry, making it an ideal base for this dish. It also has a mild flavor, which means it pairs wonderfully with more intense ingredients like prawns and garlic.
But wait, there’s more! The beauty of zucchini is that it’s available throughout the year in Sydney, making it the perfect ingredient to work with no matter the season. Plus, it’s much cheaper than jicama, which can be a rare find and can cost a small fortune here. The cost-effective nature of zucchini makes it a great alternative, allowing you to create this scrumptious stir-fry on a budget without compromising on flavor.
The Birth of My Zucchini Stir-Fry
It all began one chilly evening when I was craving a stir-fry with the same crispy, refreshing texture of jicama, but couldn’t find any in Sydney’s local markets. I had some zucchini sitting in my fridge, and after a few moments of contemplation, I decided to take the plunge and try something new. I peeled and julienned the zucchini, added prawns for that sweet, succulent protein, and tossed it all together with a touch of garlic, carrots, and oyster sauce. The result? A dish that was even better than I imagined—bright, flavorful, and so satisfying! It was a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and a bit of crunch, with a lovely umami depth from the oyster sauce. The prawns gave it a touch of luxury, and the zucchini became a star.
Ever since that day, I’ve been making this stir-fry regularly, and it has become a staple in my kitchen. Whether I’m serving it as a side or making it the main course with a bowl of steamed rice, it always hits the spot. And now, I’m excited to share it with all of you!
The Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe
Now, without further ado, here’s the recipe that’ll have you wondering how you ever lived without this dish. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one over and over again!
A Flavor-Packed Zucchini Stir-Fry Recipe: Bringing Joy to Every Bite, All Year Round in Sydney
Course: Lunch, DinnerCuisine: MalaysianDifficulty: easy4
servings20
minutes15
minutes100
kcalSay goodbye to boring veggies and hello to a vibrant, flavorful dish that’ll have your taste buds dancing! In this recipe, I’m sharing my delicious Zucchini Stir-Fry with Prawns, a dish that’s not only quick and easy to make but also bursting with fresh, savory flavors. Born out of a craving for my favorite stir-fry with jicama and inspired by the abundance of zucchini available year-round in Sydney, this dish combines tender prawns, crisp zucchini, sweet carrots, and aromatic garlic, all tied together with a touch of oyster sauce for a perfect balance of sweetness and umami. Budget-friendly, packed with nutrients, and so satisfying, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their veggie game. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into the details and discover how you can make this irresistible stir-fry in no time!
Ingredients
4 Zucchini (peeled and julienned)
6 large sea prawns (peeled, deveined, and halved)
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
2 carrots (peeled and julienned)
1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or sunflower)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce or salt (to taste)
(Optional) Green oak lettuce (for garnish or to serve with)
Directions
- Prep the Ingredients
- Start by peeling and julienning the zucchini and carrots. Aim for uniform pieces for even cooking. For the prawns, peel, devein, and halve them to ensure they cook faster and absorb more flavor. Finally, finely chop the garlic.
- Heat the Frying Pan
- Place a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the cooking oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. This is a sign that it’s hot enough to start cooking.
- Sauté the Garlic
- Toss the chopped garlic into the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Keep a close eye on the garlic—burnt garlic will give the dish a bitter taste.
- Cook the Prawns
- Add the prawns to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. The prawns will add a succulent sweetness to the stir-fry.
- Add the Vegetables
- Next, toss in the julienned carrots and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they start to soften, but still have a slight crunch. Add the zucchini to the pan and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. The zucchini should be tender but still maintain a bit of bite, adding the perfect texture to the dish.
- Season and Combine
- Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or oyster sauce over the ingredients. Toss everything together, ensuring all the vegetables and prawns are evenly coated. The oyster sauce will lend a savory, umami depth that perfectly balances the sweetness of the zucchini and prawns.
- Serve
- Once the vegetables are cooked to your liking (I love when the zucchini is still a little crisp), remove the pan from the heat. Serve the stir-fry immediately. You can enjoy it on its own, or atop a bed of steamed rice. For a fun twist, serve it with some green oak lettuce on the side or wrap the stir-fry in lettuce leaves for a refreshing and healthy touch.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Cut Zucchini Evenly: For the best stir-fry texture, make sure your zucchini and carrots are julienned into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and have that perfect bite. If your pieces are too thick, they might take longer to cook, resulting in uneven texture.
- Choose the Right Zucchini: Try to select zucchini that are firm with smooth, shiny skin and small to medium in size. Overly large zucchinis can be seedy and less flavorful. If you find any that are a bit too big, you can scoop out the seeds to keep the texture intact.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: One of the best things about this stir-fry is the texture of the vegetables. Zucchini should still have a slight bite to it when cooked. Overcooking it can result in mushy zucchini, which can ruin the dish. Keep an eye on it, and stir-fry just long enough to soften the veggies but still retain some crispness.
- Use High Heat for a Quick Stir-Fry: Stir-fries cook best on high heat. This quick cooking method ensures the vegetables stay crisp and vibrant while the prawns remain juicy. Make sure your pan is preheated and that you don’t overcrowd it, as this can cause the ingredients to steam rather than stir-fry.
- Lettuce Wraps for a Fun Twist: If you want a fun, healthier way to serve the stir-fry, use green oak lettuce to make wraps. Place a spoonful of the stir-fry in each lettuce leaf, roll it up, and enjoy! This is a great way to enjoy the dish with fewer carbs.
The Secret Ingredient: Zucchini!
While the prawns, garlic, and oyster sauce bring this dish to life, the true star of the show is the zucchini. It’s what makes this stir-fry so unique, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at zucchini the same way again. It’s simple, inexpensive, and versatile—and you can make this dish year-round in Sydney, no matter the season.
And let’s not forget the convenience! Zucchini is quick to cook, which makes this dish an ideal weeknight dinner when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. Plus, with the addition of prawns and the freshness of the vegetables, it feels like a dish you’d be served at a fancy restaurant—but it’s all made in the comfort of your own home.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools & Ingredients Used in this video
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 30 cm Wok: (AU) https://amzn.to/40IwByV
Benriner 7015S Classic Series Vegetable Slicer, Ivory, BN-1: (AU) https://amzn.to/3WHaUy2
HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 3-litre Saucepan with Tempered Glass Lid: (AU) https://amzn.to/4cTLOC8
Panasonic Digital Rice Cooker (Similar): (AU) https://amzn.to/4dnLjzx
Stockpot | Aluminum Body Non-Stick Ceramic Coating: (AU) https://amzn.to/3vSSgJ7
Kitchen Knife Set with Block: (AU) https://amzn.to/3Q0onxu | (US) https://amzn.to/3VSCfO0
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this zucchini stir-fry recipe. I created this dish to satisfy my cravings for a hearty, delicious stir-fry when I couldn’t find jicama, and I’ve never looked back. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Whether you’re in Sydney, or anywhere else in the world where zucchini is abundant, I hope you’ll give this recipe a go. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a stir-fry that’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and a whole lot of love. Say goodbye to boring veggies and hello to a dish that’ll make you excited for your next meal!
So, next time you find yourself standing in the kitchen, wondering what to cook with those zucchinis sitting in your fridge—just remember, this stir-fry is here to save the day!
Other Malaysian Chinese Dishes Recipe
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🔥 How to Make Malaysian Ngoh Hiang (Five-Spice Meat Roll) 五香肉卷 for Chinese New Year ➡️ https://www.hankerie.com/how-to-make-malaysian-ngoh-hiang-five-spice-meat-roll-%e4%ba%94%e9%a6%99%e8%82%89%e5%8d%b7-for-chinese-new-year/
🔥 The Ultimate Claypot Seafood Feast for Chinese New Year 一品锅盆菜 ➡️ https://www.hankerie.com/supreme-seafood-claypot-for-lunar-new-year-%e4%b8%80%e5%93%81%e9%94%85%e7%9b%86%e8%8f%9c/
Youtube video: https://youtu.be/z7vwtin2Vxs
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