Hobak bokkeum (호박볶음)
Korea
A simple Korean side dish – quickly stir-fried zucchini in a fragrant sauce of garlic, shrimp-salt (saeu jeot), green onion, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Perfect as a light dish served with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 pcs zucchini
- 2 tsp saeu jeot
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1 pcs green onion
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp water
Steps
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Cut the zucchini lengthwise in half, then cut each half into quarters and slice into strips about ¼–⅓ inch thick (≈0.6–0.8 cm).
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Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil, then add the zucchini, minced garlic and saeu jeot. Stir-fry, constantly stirring, for 2–3 minutes.
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Add water, continue stir-frying, adding more water if the pan becomes too dry.
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Add the sliced green onion, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Cook another 2–3 minutes until the zucchini is tender and translucent.
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Taste the dish and add more saeu jeot or salt as needed.
FAQ
What is Hobak Bokkeum (호박볶음)?
Hobak Bokkeum is a simple, savory Korean side dish featuring quickly stir-fried zucchini in a flavorful sauce with garlic, shrimp-salt, and sesame.
How do you pronounce Hobak Bokkeum (호박볶음)?
It's pronounced 'hoh-bahk bohk-koom'. The 'bokkeum' part means 'stir-fried' in Korean.
Can I make Hobak Bokkeum vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, to make it vegetarian/vegan, substitute the 'saeu jeot' (shrimp-salt) with a pinch of salt and a dash of soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative for umami.
What should I serve with Hobak Bokkeum?
Hobak Bokkeum is perfect as a light side dish with steamed rice, noodles, or alongside other Korean main courses like bulgogi or bibimbap.
How does Umami Guru help me cook complex dishes like this?
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