These Korean zucchini rolls, generally known as hobak mari (호박말이), are a lightweight but satisfying dish made by wrapping a savory filling in skinny slices of zucchini, then gently pan-frying them till golden. They’re comfortable and tender on the skin, with a juicy, well-seasoned heart that holds collectively superbly with out feeling heavy.
This dish is usually served as a aspect dish or jeon, however I additionally like making it for lunchboxes or gentle meals as a result of it reheats and freezes effectively. The important thing step is calmly salting the zucchini first so it turns into versatile sufficient to roll with out cracking. As soon as that’s accomplished, the remainder comes collectively simply, utilizing easy components you’ll find at most grocery shops.
Why This Recipe Works
A lighter, dumpling-style various
In the event you get pleasure from dumplings however need one thing lighter, this recipe is a good possibility. The zucchini slices act as a recent, tender wrapper, giving you a similar satisfying chunk as dumplings with out utilizing conventional dough wrappers.
Balanced, well-seasoned filling
The finely minced greens, fish truffles, tofu, and egg create a filling that’s flavorful with out feeling heavy. Every part cooks evenly and blends collectively, with no single ingredient overpowering the others. You’ll be able to substitute shrimp or minced beef instead of the fish truffles, or use finely chopped king oyster mushrooms for a vegetarian model. I personally favor shrimp or fish truffles for a extra seafood-forward, umami-rich taste.
Freezer-friendly and make-ahead
These zucchini rolls freeze and reheat effectively after cooking, making them sensible for meal prep, lunchboxes, or straightforward aspect dishes. The zucchini turns into slightly softer after freezing, however the rolls nonetheless maintain their form and style nice.
Earlier than You Begin
- Select huge, flat zucchini for simpler rolling
Zucchini with broader sides are a lot simpler to slice evenly and roll with out tearing. Slim or very spherical zucchini have a tendency to supply slices which are awkward to work with and tougher to wrap neatly across the filling. - Salt calmly, not closely
A lightweight sprinkle of salt is all you have to soften the zucchini. The purpose is flexibility, not seasoning. An excessive amount of salt attracts out extra moisture and may make the rolls watery or overly salty. - Prep the filling whereas the zucchini rests
Use the salting time to mince the greens and put together the filling. This retains the workflow clean and helps every part come collectively effectively with out further ready. - Don’t be shy with the filling
Generously stuffed rolls not solely look higher, however additionally they maintain their form extra reliably throughout cooking. Too little filling may cause the rolls to loosen or collapse as they cook dinner. - Cook dinner gently over medium-low warmth
As a result of the filling incorporates egg and tofu, slower cooking is vital. Medium-low warmth permits the filling to cook dinner via evenly whereas letting the zucchini flip calmly golden with out burning.
Elements
Zucchini Wrapper
- 3 medium Korean zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise (about 700 g / 1.54 lb)
- Positive salt, for salting the zucchini
Filling
- 200 g (7 oz) fish truffles (eomuk), finely chopped, (or shrimp, minced beef, or finely chopped king oyster mushrooms for a vegetarian model)
- 180 g (6.3 oz) agency tofu, moisture eliminated with paper towels and crumbled
- 40 g (1.4 oz) carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 55 g (2 oz) onion, finely chopped
- 15 g (0.5 oz) inexperienced onion, finely chopped
- 1 massive egg
- 2 Tbsp potato starch (binder for the filling)
- 1/4 cup potato starch (for dusting the zucchini)
Seasoning for the Filling
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp mirin (candy rice wine)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/8 tsp fantastic salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp sesame oil
Methods to Make Pan-Fried Korean Zucchini Rolls
1. Evenly sprinkle salt over the zucchini slices and put aside for 15 to twenty minutes, till softened and versatile. The zucchini ought to be flexible sufficient to roll with out cracking.
2. Whereas the zucchini is salting, put together the filling. Finely chop the fish truffles, carrot, onion, and inexperienced onion. Finely mince the tofu with a knife.
3. In a big bowl, mix all of the filling components with the seasoning for the filling. Add the egg and blend effectively till evenly mixed.
4. Gently pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to take away extra moisture.
5. Evenly mud either side of every zucchini slice with potato starch.
6. Place a beneficiant quantity of filling at one finish of a zucchini slice and roll it up tightly. Don’t be shy with the filling, as fuller rolls maintain their form higher after cooking.
7. Warmth a pan over medium-low warmth with a lightweight coating of oil. Cook dinner the zucchini rolls, turning often, till evenly golden and absolutely cooked via, about 10 minutes complete.
8. Serve.
Methods to Retailer
These zucchini rolls retailer effectively after cooking. Allow them to cool fully, then refrigerate in an hermetic container for as much as 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked rolls in an hermetic container or freezer bag for as much as 1 month. When reheating, heat them gently in a pan over low warmth or in an air fryer till heated via. The zucchini can be barely softer after freezing, however the rolls will nonetheless maintain their form and style nice.
Different Korean Zucchini Recipes You May Like
In the event you get pleasure from cooking with zucchini, listed below are a couple of extra Korean zucchini dishes you would possibly like. They’re easy, comforting, and straightforward so as to add to on a regular basis meals.
Seasoning for the Filling
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Evenly sprinkle salt over the zucchini slices and put aside for 15 to twenty minutes, till softened and versatile. The zucchini ought to be flexible sufficient to roll with out cracking.
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Whereas the zucchini is salting, put together the filling. Finely chop the fish truffles, carrot, onion, and inexperienced onion. Finely mince the tofu with a knife.
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In a big bowl, mix all of the filling components with the seasoning for the filling. Add the egg and blend effectively till evenly mixed.
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Gently pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to take away extra moisture.
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Evenly mud either side of every zucchini slice with potato starch.
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Place a beneficiant quantity of filling at one finish of a zucchini slice and roll it up tightly. Don’t be shy with the filling, as fuller rolls maintain their form higher after cooking.
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Warmth a pan over medium-low warmth with a lightweight coating of oil. Cook dinner the zucchini rolls, turning often, till evenly golden and absolutely cooked via, about 10 minutes complete.
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Serve.
The vitamin data proven is an estimate supplied by an internet vitamin calculator. It shouldn’t be thought of an alternative to an expert nutritionist’s recommendation.
