vinegar zucchini recipe

How to Make Stir-Fried Zucchini (Cu Li Xi Hulu)

Stir-fried zucchini, or "cu li xi hulu" in Chinese, is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish loved for its crisp texture and tangy sauce. Here’s a simple guide to mastering it.

Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin half-moons; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, julienned; 1 dried chili (optional); 2 tbsp oil; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp vinegar (black or rice vinegar); 1 tsp sugar; 1 pinch of salt; 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening).

Steps:

1. Prep: Rinse zucchini and pat dry. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and cornstarch slurry.

2. Stir-fry: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and chili (if using) and stir-fry until fragrant (10 seconds).

3. Cook zucchini: Add zucchini slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

4. Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the zucchini. Toss quickly to coat evenly and cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.

5. Serve: Transfer to a plate and enjoy hot with rice or noodles.

Tips: For extra flavor, add a dash of sesame oil before serving. Adjust vinegar and sugar to your preferred tanginess-sweetness balance. This versatile dish cooks in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!

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