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A close-up shot of glossy, golden-brown garlic zucchini stir-fry with green onions and sesame seeds in a dark bowl.

Authentic Chinese Garlic Zucchini Stir-Fry

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 65 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for sweating)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Place sliced zucchini in a bowl and toss with salt; let sit for 10 minutes to extract excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Rinse zucchini under cold water to remove salt and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear.
  • Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering; add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
  • Add minced garlic and ginger to the oil; stir-fry for 15 seconds until aromatic.
  • Add the dried zucchini to the wok and stir-fry for 2 minutes, tossing constantly to maintain high heat contact.
  • Pour in light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper; stir-fry for 1 minute until the sauce reduces and glazes the vegetables.
  • Remove from heat and immediately drizzle with toasted sesame oil to preserve its volatile aromatics.
  • Transfer to a plate and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving hot.