Chinese Zucchini
Chinese Zucchini offers a savory and slightly salty flavor profile, highlighting tender zucchini slices cooked in soy sauce with aromatic garlic and onion. This quick, healthy dish is perfect for those seeking a flavorful vegetable side that pairs well with rice or noodles. Suitable for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in bacon drippings in a skillet until golden.
- Add remaining ingredients and 2 tablespoons water.
- Simmer, covered, for 5 to 8 minutes or until tender-crisp.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the bacon drippings with olive oil or butter if you're looking for a lighter option. You can also experiment by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. If you want a vegetarian version, omit the bacon drippings and use vegetable oil instead. This dish is great as a side for Pork Fried Rice or other Chinese recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chinese Zucchini as a side dish alongside grilled meats or tofu for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Pork Fried Rice or can be served over steamed rice for a complete vegetarian dish. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the zucchini and making it mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Zucchini contains roughly 23 calories, with 2g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1709mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can easily add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything is tender but still crisp.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Chinese Zucchini is excellent for meal prep as it stores well in the refrigerator. Just keep the zucchini slightly undercooked when preparing it to ensure it maintains its texture when reheated.
What can I serve this dish with?
This dish pairs well with a variety of proteins, like grilled chicken or tofu. It also complements Asian-style meals, making it a great side for dishes such as Teriyaki Burgers or Low-Fat Pork Lo Mein.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).