Spicy Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry
This Spicy Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry is a delightful combination of tender beef and fresh zucchini, infused with bold flavors from garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of spice. Originally inspired by a Korean cooking recipe, this dish has been adapted to highlight the vibrant flavors of zucchini, which provide a crunchy texture and a subtle sweetness to balance the savory beef. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this stir-fry can be served over fluffy rice and garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chili for an extra kick. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
N/A
Servings
94
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
zucchini
4 (thinly sliced)
lean beef
1/3 lb (julienned or thinly sliced)
salt
1 teaspoon
sesame oil
2 tablespoons
garlic
1/4 teaspoon (crushed)
black pepper
to taste
green onion
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon
soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon
ground red chili pepper
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
shredded chili pepper
for garnish
Instructions
1
In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over high heat. Quickly add the julienned beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned. Stir in the crushed garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan using a slotted spoon and set it aside.
2
In the same pan, add the remaining oil and toss in the sliced zucchini. Stir-fry the zucchini for 2-3 minutes, just until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
3
Combine the cooked zucchini with the green onions, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, soy sauce, ground red chili pepper, and an additional pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure the zucchini is evenly coated in the seasoning.
4
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the zucchini, and give everything a good stir to combine. Allow it to heat together for an additional minute.
5
Transfer the stir-fry to a serving plate, and garnish with shredded chili pepper for an added visual and spicy touch. Serve hot over rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry?
This dish is a quick and flavorful stir-fry combining tender lean beef and fresh zucchini, seasoned with garlic, sesame oil, and Korean-inspired spices.
How many calories are in this recipe?
There are approximately 94 calories per serving in this Spicy Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it contains ground red chili pepper and is garnished with shredded chili pepper to provide a spicy kick.
What type of beef is best for this stir-fry?
The recipe recommends using lean beef that has been julienned or thinly sliced for quick cooking.
How should I prepare the zucchini?
The zucchini should be thinly sliced before being added to the pan.
How long does it take to cook the beef?
The beef should be stir-fried over high heat for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until it is browned.
What are the main seasonings used in this dish?
Key seasonings include sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, ground red chili pepper, salt, and black pepper.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving of this stir-fry provides 7 grams of protein.
What should I serve with Spicy Zucchini Beef Stir-Fry?
It is traditionally served hot over a bed of fluffy rice.
Can beginners make this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be easy to prepare, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 6 grams of fat in each serving.
Are there many carbohydrates in this dish?
No, this is a relatively low-carb option with only 3.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I garnish this stir-fry?
You can garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds and shredded chili pepper for added visual appeal and spice.
What kind of oil should I use for stir-frying?
The recipe uses sesame oil as a primary flavor agent, but you should use a high-heat cooking oil for the initial stir-fry steps.
Should the zucchini be soft or crunchy?
The zucchini should be stir-fried for just 2-3 minutes so it starts to soften while still retaining some crunch.
How is the garlic prepared?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of crushed garlic to be added during the beef stir-fry stage.
Does this recipe contain soy?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce for savory depth.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute the lean beef with thinly sliced chicken, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including vegetables, meat, oils, and spices.
Is this a Korean recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Korean cooking styles, specifically using ingredients like sesame oil and red chili pepper.
What is the serving size for this dish?
While specific serving counts aren't listed, the ingredient quantities (1/3 lb beef, 4 zucchinis) typically serve 2 people.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates no significant sugar content in this stir-fry.
How do I ensure the zucchini is evenly seasoned?
Combine the cooked zucchini with the green onions, sesame seeds, oil, soy sauce, and chili, then stir well to coat evenly.
Can I use pre-toasted sesame seeds?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for toasted sesame seeds to enhance the nutty flavor of the dish.
What equipment do I need?
A large skillet or a wok is recommended for stir-frying the ingredients over high heat.
How do I make it even spicier?
You can increase the amount of ground red chili pepper or add more shredded chili pepper garnish.
Is this recipe good for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and involves very short cooking times for both the beef and the zucchini.
Do I need to salt the zucchini before cooking?
No, the recipe instructions involve seasoning the zucchini during and after the stir-frying process.
What is the final step of the recipe?
The final step is to return the beef to the pan with the zucchini, heat together for one minute, and garnish with shredded chili pepper.
Can I add other vegetables?
While zucchini is the star, you could easily add onions or bell peppers to the stir-fry for more variety.