Zucchini Stir Fry Recipe

Some nights, you just need a quick, no-fuss meal that still tastes amazing. This zucchini stir fry is one of those go-to recipes for me—light, packed with flavor, and ready in under 20 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that comes together effortlessly but still feels satisfying, whether you serve it as a side or make it the star of the meal with a bowl of steamed rice.

this RECIPE

My love for zucchini (even though I didn’t always love it)

Growing up, zucchini wasn’t exactly my favorite. I always thought of it as that vegetable that got too mushy in casseroles or was just kind of… there. But one summer, I had it in a stir fry at a friend’s house, and everything changed. Instead of being bland or soggy, it was crisp, slightly caramelized, and coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that made me want to eat an entire plate.

After that, I started experimenting with zucchini in my own kitchen, and this stir fry became a staple. It’s now my favorite way to use up summer zucchini when my fridge is overflowing with it. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that’s easy to customize depending on what I have on hand.

A little background on stir frying

Stir frying has been around for centuries, originating in China as a quick way to cook food over high heat. The technique spread across Asia and beyond, with different regions adding their own flavors and ingredients. What makes stir frying special is the way it preserves the texture of vegetables—cooking them fast so they stay crisp and vibrant. This zucchini stir fry is a perfect example of that. The high heat locks in flavor, and the combination of soy sauce, teriyaki, and hoisin creates a rich umami coating on every bite.

What makes this stir fry so good?

Zucchini

Zucchini is the star of this dish, and for good reason. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that soaks up sauces beautifully. When cooked just right, it stays tender-crisp rather than mushy. If you don’t have zucchini, you can swap in yellow squash or even bell peppers for a different texture.

Onion

Onion adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the stir fry. Yellow onion works best here, but if you only have red or white onions, those will do just fine.

Garlic

Garlic is a must—it brings out so much flavor and pairs perfectly with the sauces. Freshly minced garlic is best, but in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic or even garlic powder.

Sesame oil

This adds a subtle nuttiness that really enhances the dish. If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil, but you’ll miss that signature toasted flavor.

Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and hoisin sauce

The magic trio! Soy sauce gives the dish saltiness, teriyaki sauce adds a touch of sweetness, and hoisin sauce brings a rich, slightly tangy depth. If you don’t have hoisin, you can use a bit of oyster sauce or even a dash of honey with extra soy sauce.

Sesame seeds and red pepper flakes

These are the finishing touches. The sesame seeds add a little crunch, and the red pepper flakes bring just enough heat to keep things interesting. Adjust the spice level to your liking!

The only tools you really need

You don’t need fancy equipment for this—just a few kitchen basics.

• A good pan or wok: If you have a wok, great! If not, a large skillet works just fine. The key is using a wide pan so the zucchini has room to cook evenly.
• A sharp knife: Chopping the zucchini and onions evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
• A wooden spoon or spatula: Helps with stirring so nothing sticks or burns.

How to make zucchini stir fry (step by step)

1. Chop everything first

Before you even turn on the stove, get all your ingredients prepped. Chop the zucchini and onions into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Mince the garlic too—it only takes a minute but makes a big difference.

2. Sauté the onions and garlic

Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until it softens and turns slightly golden. Then, add the garlic and stir for another minute until it smells amazing (just don’t let it burn!).

3. Add the zucchini and sauces

Now, turn up the heat to medium and add the zucchini. Stir it around for a minute, then pour in the soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and hoisin sauce. Keep stirring so everything gets evenly coated. Let it cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to get the zucchini tender but still slightly crisp—nobody wants soggy zucchini.

4. Finish with toppings and serve

Once the zucchini is cooked just right, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and red pepper flakes on top. If you want extra flavor, drizzle a little more sesame oil or soy sauce. Serve immediately over rice or enjoy it on its own.

Want to mix it up? Try these variations

• Make it protein-packed: Add tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced chicken. Just cook the protein first, remove it from the pan, and add it back in at the end.
• Go low-carb: Skip the rice and serve this over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Try a different sauce: Swap out teriyaki for a splash of honey and lime juice for a fresh twist.
• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas make great additions. Just toss them in with the zucchini.
• Make it spicy: Love heat? Add a dash of sriracha or a sliced chili pepper.

How to serve it up beautifully

This stir fry looks great on its own, but if you want to make it feel extra special, try these ideas:

• Serve it over jasmine rice or quinoa in a shallow bowl for a cozy, restaurant-style feel.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

What to drink with zucchini stir fry

If you’re keeping it simple, a cold glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon is perfect. Want to pair it with something a little more fun? Here are my favorites:

• White wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling balances the flavors well.
• Light beer: Something like a Japanese lager or a wheat beer complements the dish without overpowering it.
• Green tea: If you’re going non-alcoholic, a warm cup of green tea is a great match.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, just toss everything back in a pan over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving—it can make the zucchini too soft.

Need to feed more (or fewer) people?

This recipe is easy to scale. Just double everything if you’re cooking for a crowd, or cut it in half for a solo meal. If you increase the amount, make sure your pan isn’t overcrowded—cook in batches if needed.

Common questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can chop the veggies and mix the sauce ahead of time for faster prep.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can use a mix of soy sauce and a little brown sugar or honey instead.

Can I use frozen zucchini?
Fresh is best, but if using frozen, don’t thaw it first—just toss it in hot and cook quickly.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your hoisin and teriyaki sauces are gluten-free.

What other seasonings can I add?
Try a dash of ginger, five-spice powder, or a little lemon zest for extra flavor.

Ready to try it?

This zucchini stir fry is quick, easy, and full of flavor. Whether you make it as a side or a main dish, it’s one of those recipes that’s hard to mess up and easy to love. Give it a try, and feel free to make it your own!

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