Hobak Namul 
(Korean zucchini squash side dish)

Small bowl of hobak namul
Image by stu_spivack

This namul, or vegetable side dish, makes good use of summer squash and is a popular accompaniment to many Korean meals. Hobak is a Korean summer squash that is roundish in shape and has light and dark green stripes. It is very similar to zucchini, which can substitute.

Hobak Namul

Course: VegetablesCuisine: Korea
Makes 4 to 6 servings

This namul, or vegetable side dish, makes good use of summer squash and is a popular accompaniment to many Korean meals.

Ingredients

  • Hobak or zucchini squash — 3

  • Garlic, minced — 2 to 3 cloves

  • Sugar — 1 teaspoon

  • Salt — to taste

  • Soy sauce — 3 tablespoons

  • Toasted sesame oil — 2 tablespoons

Directions

  • Slice the squash in half lengthwise, then into cut into 1/4-inch think half moons.
  • Bring a saucepan of water to a boil over medium-high flame. Add the squash, bring back to a boil and let cook for about 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water. Drain again.
  • Mix together the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add the squash and toss to coat well with the seasonings.
  • Serve at room temperature with a selection of Korean side dishes and a main entree.

Hobak Namul Notes and Variations

  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of Korean red pepper flakes to the seasoning ingredients.
  • Cook 1/4 pound of ground beef or pork in a saute pan, breaking it up into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper and stir in at the end.

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