Korean-style Yellow Squash Stir-Fry

If you love quick and flavorful vegetable side dishes, this Korean-inspired yellow squash stir-fry is about to become a staple in your kitchen. This recipe uses authentic Korean pantry ingredients like salted shrimp (saeujeot), mushroom umami powder, and sesame oil to create a deeply savory, aromatic, and well-balanced dish that comes together in minutes. Whether you’re searching for easy Korean side dishes, healthy squash recipes, or 10-minute stir-fries, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Yellow Squash Stir-Fry

• Authentic Korean flavors with simple, accessible ingredients
• Perfect for busy weeknights — cooks in under 10 minutes
• A great way to use garden squash
• Family-friendly, flavorful, and packed with umami 

🌿 The Health Benefits of Yellow Squash (and Why You Should Try This Recipe!)

Yellow squash isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients that make this stir-fry a smart, healthy addition to your weekly meals. Rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, yellow squash supports immune health, boosts energy, and promotes glowing skin. Its high fiber content aids digestion and helps keep you full longer, while its naturally low calories make it a great choice for light, nutrient-dense meals. Cooking the squash quickly over medium heat helps preserve its antioxidants and texture, while ingredients like garlic, onions, and protein-rich Korean salted shrimp add even more minerals and gut-friendly benefits. This dish is a simple, delicious way to add more vegetables—and more nourishment—to your everyday cooking.

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow squash, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 mild green chili pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 6 small garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 Tbsp Korean salted shrimp (saeujeot)
• 1 tsp mushroom umami powder
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 2 Tbsp cooking oil (neutral oil preferred) 

🍳 How to Make Korean Yellow Squash Stir-Fry

1. Prep the vegetables

Chop the squash into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion, green chili pepper, and green onion. Mince the garlic.

2. Heat the oil

Add 2 Tbsp cooking oil to a skillet over medium heat.

3. Sauté the aromatics

Stir-fry the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened.

4. Add the squash

Add the yellow squash pieces and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to soften.

5. Season the dish

Mix in 1.5 Tbsp Korean salted shrimp and 1 tsp mushroom umami powder, stirring so everything coats evenly.

6. Finish with sesame oil + green onions

Turn off the heat and stir in the sesame oil, sliced peppers and sliced green onions.

7. Serve hot

Enjoy immediately as a Korean side dish (banchan) or pair with steamed rice, noodles, or BBQ.

🥢 Recipe Tips

• Adjust salted shrimp to taste for a milder or stronger flavor. 
• Avoid overcooking the squash to keep it tender yet firm. 
• Add a Cheongyang pepper if you want extra heat. 
• Substitute salted shrimp with soy sauce or vegan fish sauce for vegetarian options. 

🍽️ What to Serve It With

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, Korean BBQ, grilled meats, tofu bowls, noodles, or a full banchan spread.
 
 
 

Korean-style Yellow Squash Stir-Fry

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Easy Korean yellow squash stir-fry packed with flavor and nutrients. A quick 10-minute side dish with salted shrimp, garlic, and sesame oil. Perfect weeknight recipe!

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Ingredients

• 2-3 medium-sized yellow squash, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 mild green chili pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 6 small garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 Tbsp Korean salted shrimp
• 1 tsp mushroom umami powder
• 1 Tbsp sesame oil
• 2 Tbsp cooking oil (neutral oil preferred)

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Chop the yellow squash into bite-sized pieces. Slice the onion, green chili pepper, and green onion. Mince the garlic.

2. Heat the Oil: Add cooking oil to a skillet and warm over medium heat.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then stir in sliced onion until softened.

4. Add Squash: Add the yellow squash pieces and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until they begin to soften and release moisture.

5. Season the Stir-Fry: Mix in Korean salted shrimp and mushroom umami powder, stirring well so the seasonings coat the vegetables evenly.

6. Finish with Green Onion & Sesame Oil: Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced peppers, sliced green onion and sesame oil for a rich, nutty flavor.

7. Serve Hot: Enjoy immediately as a Korean side dish (banchan) or pair with steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite protein.

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