Spicy Korean Zucchini Side Dish (Hobak Bokkeum) Recipe
This Korean zucchini side dish, also known as hobak bokkeum or hobak namul, features thinly sliced zucchini sautéed with garlic, green onions, and toasted sesame oil and seeds. It's a crunchy, refreshing, and easy-to-make accompaniment perfect for complementing Korean meals or enjoying as a light vegetable side dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 30 oz zucchini (4 medium-sized)
- 2 bulb green onions, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 0.4 oz garlic clove (2 large cloves), finely minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 2.5 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2-3 tsp toasted sesame oil, plus more for garnish
- 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini: Trim both ends of the zucchini and use a mandoline slicer to cut the zucchini into thin, round discs to ensure even cooking and a delicate texture.
- Salt the zucchini: Place the zucchini slices in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle with sea salt, and gently rub the salt evenly into each slice using your hands. Set aside for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which intensifies flavor and improves texture.
- Prepare aromatics: While the zucchini is resting, finely mince the garlic cloves and chop the scallions; these will add fragrant flavor to the dish.
- Drain the zucchini: After 20 minutes, gently squeeze the zucchini slices by hand to remove the extra water released by the salt. Lay the drained zucchini on a large plate.
- Sauté the zucchini: Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat until warm. Add the avocado oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the zucchini slices and sauté for 1 minute, allowing them to soften slightly while retaining crunch.
- Add aromatics and finish sautéing: Add the minced garlic, chopped green onions, toasted sesame oil, and toasted white sesame seeds to the pan. Sauté everything together for another 1 minute to meld the flavors, then turn off the heat.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the zucchini mixture onto a large serving plate. Garnish with additional chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve the side dish at room temperature or chilled according to preference.
Notes
- Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniformly thin zucchini slices for even cooking.
- Salting the zucchini is essential to draw out excess water and concentrate flavors.
- Toasted sesame oil and seeds add a nutty aroma and authentic Korean flavor.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be chilled and served cold for a refreshing side.
- Adjust the amount of sesame oil and garlic to taste for milder or stronger flavor.
