Stir-Fried Summer Bliss: Corn, Zucchini, and Napa Cabbage Medley
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Stir-Fried Summer Bliss featuring sweet, fresh corn, tender zucchini, and crunchy napa cabbage, all sautéed to perfection. Infused with aromatic sesame seed oil, minced garlic, and a hint of seasoned rice vinegar, this delightful dish is further elevated with fresh herbs like thyme and cilantro. Sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, this sautéed vegetable medley makes a perfect side dish or a light vegetarian main, capturing the essence of seasonal produce in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh corn kernels
4 ears (Remove kernels from the cob)
Zucchini
1 lb (Sliced half moon)
Napa cabbage
1 lb (Sliced thin)
Baby bok choy
1 lb (Sliced thin)
Seasoned rice vinegar
5 tablespoons (N/A)
Sesame seed oil
5 tablespoons (Divided in cooking)
Fresh garlic clove
1 tablespoon (Minced)
Fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Fresh cilantro
4 tablespoons (Chopped)
Fine sea salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Toasted white sesame seeds
5 tablespoons (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the seasoned rice vinegar with 3 tablespoons of sesame seed oil. Add fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Once done, keep the sauce warm over low heat.
2
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sesame seed oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
3
Add the fresh corn kernels, sliced zucchini, napa cabbage, and baby bok choy to the pan. Sprinkle in the chopped thyme and cilantro, and sauté all the ingredients together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
4
Remove the pan from heat and pour the warm dressing over the sautéed vegetables. Toss gently to coat all the veggies evenly and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste.
5
Serve the vibrant vegetable medley immediately on warm plates, garnishing generously with toasted white sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stir-Fried Summer Bliss recipe?
It is a vibrant vegetable medley featuring fresh corn, zucchini, and napa cabbage sautéed with sesame oil and herbs.
Which vegetables are used in this dish?
The dish includes fresh corn kernels, zucchini, napa cabbage, and baby bok choy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it uses only plant-based ingredients like vegetables, sesame oil, and vinegar.
Is this vegetable medley gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients, including seasoned rice vinegar and sesame seed oil, are naturally gluten-free.
How should I prepare the fresh corn?
You should remove the fresh kernels from 4 ears of corn before beginning the stir-fry.
What is the recommended way to slice the zucchini?
The zucchini should be sliced into half-moon shapes to ensure even cooking and a nice presentation.
How do I prep the napa cabbage?
The napa cabbage should be sliced thin so it wilts quickly but remains crunchy during the sauté.
How is the baby bok choy prepared?
Like the napa cabbage, the baby bok choy should be sliced thin before being added to the pan.
What goes into the warm dressing?
The dressing consists of seasoned rice vinegar, sesame seed oil, fine sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The vinegar and oil mixture should simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What type of oil is used for the sauté?
The recipe uses sesame seed oil for both the sauce and the sauté for a rich, nutty flavor.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of minced fresh garlic cloves.
When do I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the garlic once the sesame oil is heated, and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
What fresh herbs are included in this medley?
The recipe calls for fresh chopped thyme and fresh chopped cilantro.
How long do the vegetables need to cook in the skillet?
The vegetables should be sautéed for approximately 2-3 minutes until they are tender yet crisp.
When should the dressing be added?
Remove the pan from the heat first, then pour the warm dressing over the sautéed vegetables and toss.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
The dish should be garnished generously with toasted white sesame seeds.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
While fresh corn is recommended for the best flavor, you can substitute with frozen corn kernels if needed.
Is this recipe considered a side dish or a main?
It is versatile enough to be served as a perfect side dish or a light vegetarian main meal.
What texture should the vegetables have?
The goal is to have vegetables that are tender but still retain a slight crispness or 'al dente' texture.
Can I substitute the cilantro if I don't like it?
Yes, if you prefer, you can omit the cilantro or replace it with extra thyme or fresh parsley.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifically calls for seasoned rice vinegar for its balanced sweetness and acidity.
Do I need to keep the sauce warm?
Yes, after simmering the sauce, keep it over low heat so it stays warm when you pour it over the finished vegetables.
What kind of salt is best for this dish?
Fine sea salt is recommended to enhance the natural flavors of the summer vegetables.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with a short cooking time of under 10 minutes once the vegetables are prepped, it is a very quick meal.
Does the recipe require many specialized tools?
No, you only need a small saucepan for the dressing and a large skillet or sauté pan for the vegetables.
How many ears of corn are required?
The recipe calls for 4 ears of fresh corn.
Can I use regular cabbage instead of napa cabbage?
You can, but napa cabbage is preferred for its delicate texture and ability to cook quickly in a stir-fry.
Should the sesame seeds be toasted?
Yes, using toasted white sesame seeds provides a much better crunch and a deeper nutty flavor.
How should the final dish be served?
It should be served immediately on warm plates to preserve the heat and texture of the stir-fry.