🇰🇷 South Korea · Food
Stir-fried Zucchini (Hobak-bokkeum)
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇰🇷 KRA classic, quick-to-prepare Korean side dish featuring tender zucchini sautéed with savory beef and aromatics. It is a humble yet flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Cut 2 medium zucchinis into 3mm thick half-moon slices and sprinkle with a pinch of salt to draw out excess moisture.
- 2
Finely mince 150g of beef and season with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 minced garlic clove.
- 3
Finely dice 1 medium onion and mince the remaining 2 garlic cloves.
- 4
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and stir-fry the seasoned beef until fully browned.
- 5
Add the diced onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 6
Drain the moisture from the salted zucchini slices and add them to the skillet.
- 7
Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still retains a slight crunch, adding 2 tbsp soy sauce to taste.
- 8
Finish with 1 tbsp sesame oil, give it a final quick toss, and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I peel the zucchini?+
No, keep the skin on; it provides color, texture, and keeps the slices from turning into mush during stir-frying.
Can I make this vegetarian?+
Yes, simply omit the beef and add mushrooms, such as shiitake, for an earthy, savory flavor profile.
Why does my zucchini turn into mush?+
You may have overcooked it or failed to drain the excess water after salting the zucchini.
What is the best type of zucchini to use?+
Korean summer squash (ae-hobak) is traditional, but standard green zucchini works perfectly as a substitute.
🇰🇷 KRMundo Match
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