Zukkiini no shami-itameni / braized zucchini with dried shrimp

Very aromatic and flavorful, shami dried shrimp instantly transform a simple saute. Soaking shami in water ahead of time as below ensures that zucchini is softly and thoroughly seasoned. If you don't have time to soak or want to enjoy the contrast between tender zucchini and crunchy shami, they can simply be chopped and sauteed. The dish is equally tasty either way. Great with plain steamed rice, and can be served as one of starter dishes with drinks.

1/2 of recipe:
34 calories; 3.7 g protein; 1.2 g fat; 2.7 g carbohydrate; 1.6 g net carbs; 132 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce); 24 mg cholesterol; 1.1 g fiber

Zukkini to tamago, feta chiizu no pan / zucchini, egg and feta cheese pastry

This is another savory pastry we like. Sauteed zucchini is paired with fluffy fried or microwaved egg and feta cheese. Dill makes this combination truly savory.

1 pastry (1/9 piroshki-style dough recipe and 1/3 of filling recipe):
266 calories; 12.9 g protein; 12.8 g fat; 25.5 g carbohydrate; 20.9 g net carbs; 151 mg sodium; 89 mg cholesterol; 4.6 g fiber

Tofu to zukkiini, ingen no yuzukosho-itame / stir-fried tofu, zucchini and green beans with yuzu citron green pepper paste

This plain-looking tofu and vegetable dish welcomes you with the zesty punch of picante yuzukosho. A quick and easy side dish for your everyday table and bento.

1/2 of recipe: 73 calories; 5.4 g protein; 3.9 g fat; 3.2 g carbohydrate; 2.1 g net carbs; 49 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce; 77 mg with regular soy sauce); 0 mg cholesterol; 1.1 g fiber

Ebi to zukkiini no ebimayo-fu / shrimp and zucchini in ebimayo-style sauce

A delightful dish inspired by a popular Chinese-influenced recipe, ebimayo or deep-fried shrimp in mayonnaise sauce. This takes full advantage of light soy milk curd made with apple cider vinegar, softly rich tamago no moto egg yolk emulsion, and fresh tomato. Zucchini and shrimp are sauteed for a quick fix, and mixed with the sauce. Yes, making the soy milk curd and egg yolk emulsion takes extra time, and so does cleaning shrimp with potato starch, but you will not regret it with the pleasant result.

212 calories (1/2 of recipe); 18.0 g protein; 11.9 g fat; 6.7 g carbohydrate; 5.6 g net carbs; 206 mg sodium; 148 mg cholesterol; 1.1 g fiber

Zukkiini no guriru, howajao doresshingu-gake / grilled zucchini, with Sichuan peppercorn-infused oil and soy sauce dressing

Toasted hua jiao Sichuan peppercorns add a nice tang to the sweet note of grilled zucchini. A great starter or a side dish.

1/4 of recipe:
32 calories; 1.5 g protein; 1.6 g fat; 3.9 g carbohydrate; 2.5 g net carbs; 40 mg sodium (with 50% reduced-sodium soy sauce, 78 mg with regular soy sauce); 0 mg cholesterol; 1.4 g fiber

Zukkiini no ribon sarada / zucchini ribbon salad with lemon & garlic dressing

Ribbons of fresh zucchini are a surefire summer salad hit.

Zukkiini no shami-ae / zucchini with Chinese dried shrimp

A light, salad-like zucchini dish with a Chinese twist.

Zukkiini no shiokoji-zuke / zucchini marinated in salted rice malt

Similar to asazuke overnight pickles, but much simpler. The zucchini starts to take on the full flavor of shiokoji -- mildly salty yet mellow -- from the third day as the raw taste of squash softens.

Natsuyasai no kisshu / Quiche with summer vegetables

One of my potluck or party dishes. Even people who usually avoid vegetable dishes enjoy the rich custard and aromatic basil, and finish their pieces!

Zukkiini no karashizuke / zucchini pickles with karashi mustard

The sweetness of zucchini is a good match with the pungent spiciness of karashi mustard. A small pickle dish with a clean aftertaste.

Zukkiini no namuru / zucchini namul saute or salad

Another simple namul with zucchini. Saute for a richer taste or simply mix with sesame oil for a fresh taste.

Zukkiini no okakaae / zucchini with bonito flakes