This flavor-packed Zucchini Stir Fry is ready in about 20 minutes. A quick, satisfying stir-fry of onion, garlic and zucchini tossed in a simple savory sauce—once you try it, you may never cook zucchini another way.
This zucchini stir-fry is an easy way to turn ordinary zucchini into a takeout-style dish in minutes. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Sweet caramelized onions, fragrant garlic and zucchini that stays tender with a little bite are tossed in soy and oyster sauce, then finished with toasted sesame seeds and sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Stir-fries are a favorite in our kitchen because they’re fast and flexible. Most often I toss chicken or tofu with vegetables and a quick sauce — but when zucchini needs using, this is my go-to. It came together one evening when I found a couple of zucchini in the fridge before a trip and wanted something quick and tasty.
Ingredients For Zucchini Stir Fry
These pantry-friendly ingredients come together quickly. You can substitute half the zucchini with other vegetables—broccoli, carrots or bell peppers work well—but this recipe focuses on zucchini.
- Onion
- Garlic
- Zucchini
- Dried red chillies
- Soy Sauce
- Oyster Sauce
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Toasted Sesame Oil
- Salt and Pepper
Helpful tips
Keep these tips in mind for a successful stir-fry.
- Prep everything before you start cooking—stir-fries move quickly, so have chopped vegetables and sauces within reach.
- Choose firm, fresh zucchini for the best texture.
- Slice the zucchini to an even thickness so it cooks uniformly—not too thick, not too thin.
- Stir-fries require high heat and fast cooking; a wok or wide skillet works best.
- Caramelize the onion until it softens and begins to brown to add natural sweetness.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini—avoid soft, soggy pieces; you want tender with a little bite and a few brown blisters.
- Dry red chilli adds a smoky heat; omit it if you prefer no spice.
Other Zucchini Recipes you might like
- Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Zoodles
- Oven Roasted Vegetables With Chicken
- Zucchini Banana Bread
Zucchini Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 3 medium Zucchini Fresh and firm
- 1 Onion sliced
- 1 tablespoon Garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon Cooking Oil
- 1 dry red chilli (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce low sodium
- 1 teaspoon Oyster Sauce
- 2 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Toasted Sesame Oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. If using, add the dry red chilli and let it sizzle until smoky.
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Add the sliced onion and sauté until soft and starting to brown.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, with no raw smell remaining.
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Add the chopped zucchini and stir-fry on high heat for 2–3 minutes so the pieces become tender but still crisp.
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Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
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Continue to stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the zucchini is well coated and small brown blisters appear.
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Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and drizzle toasted sesame oil, then mix well to finish.
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Serve immediately and garnish with sliced green onion if desired.
Video
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Soy sauce and oyster sauce contain salt, so adjust additional salt to taste.
- Add a dash of hot sauce if you want extra heat.