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Spicy Sesame Zucchini Sauce_Hero Image

Spicy Sesame Zucchini Sauce Recipe

This vegan spicy sesame zucchini sauce recipe is so easy to make and is a great way to use up all those summer veggies and herbs.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 436kcal

Equipment

  • Deep skillet
  • Large pot for cooking the noodles

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1½ pounds golden zucchini (or green zucchini)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3-4 Thai chili peppers minced
  • 1½ cups water
  • ½ ounce Thai basil leaves minced plus a few leaves for garnish
  • Salt to taste

For serving:

Instructions

Cook the onion and zucchini:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and zucchini and cook over moderate heat. Be careful not to brown them too much.
  • Season the onion and zucchini liberally with salt. Add the sesame oil and minced Thai chili peppers and stir to combine.

Simmer the sauce:

  • Reduce heat to medium-low and let it bubble for 20 minutes. Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking. And adjust heat as necessary if it reduces too quickly.
  • After the zucchini is very tender, add 1 1/2 cups water and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer an additional 10 minutes until thickened.

Finish the sauce:

  • Add the minced Thai basil and simmer for an additional 5 minutes—taste and season more to your preferences.

Prepare the noodles:

  • While the sauce cooks, prepare the noodles according to package instructions. If using mung bean vermicelli, place them in a large, heat-proof bowl. Bring 6 cups of water to a boil and pour over the noodles. Let stand for 2–4 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse thoroughly.

To serve:

  • Drizzle the noodles with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and toss to coat. Divide between shallow bowls. Pile the warm zucchini sauce on top and mix with tongs or a fork to incorporate. Garnish with a few other Thai basil leaves and shichimi togarashi if you like.

Nutrition

Calories: 436kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 19mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g