Zucchini With Minced Pork Recipe

Prepare zucchini

Wash the zucchini and trim the ends. Cut into 1/2-inch thick half-moons (about 3 cups total for 3 medium zucchini). Set aside.

Mince aromatics

Peel and finely chop the yellow onion to measure 1/2 cup. Peel and mince 3 garlic cloves. Grate or mince fresh ginger to make 1 teaspoon.

Mix sauce

In a small bowl whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth. In a separate tiny bowl combine 1 tablespoon water with 1 teaspoon cornstarch to form a slurry (if you prefer a thicker sauce) — you may use the cornstarch in the main sauce mixture or the separate slurry depending on desired thickness.

Prep garnish

Thinly slice scallions on a bias and set aside. Measure sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if using.

Sear zucchini

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the zucchini in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear 2–3 minutes without stirring so they get light browning. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until just tender. Remove zucchini to a plate and keep warm.

Cook pork

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the same pan. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add the chopped onion and cook 1–2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and minced ginger and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground pork, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook 4–6 minutes until browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining.

Combine and sauce

Return the seared zucchini to the pan with the cooked pork. Stir to combine. Pour in the prepared sauce and the optional cornstarch slurry if you used a separate slurry. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the zucchini and pork. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, soy sauce, or a pinch of sugar as desired. Stir in 1 teaspoon sesame oil at the end for aroma.

Finish and garnish

Turn off the heat. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top. Serve immediately.