Stuffed Zucchini in Chinese-inspired Sauce

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Arab Kousa mahshi is transformed into a Chinese-inspired dish by incorporating a tangy and slightly sweet sauce commonly found in Australian Chinese cuisine. The original dish typically features a tomato-based sauce, while this version introduces flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to create a unique fusion of Arab and Chinese cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Kousa mahshi, so you can check it out.

• 4 medium zucchinis 4 medium zucchinis
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground chicken or pork 250g (8.8 oz) ground chicken or pork
• 1/2 cup cooked rice 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a hollow shell. Reserve the flesh for later use.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, white pepper, Chinese five-spice powder, and salt. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Stuff the hollowed zucchini shells with the meat and rice mixture.
5. 5.
   Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is cooked through.
6. 6.
   While the zucchinis are baking, prepare the Chinese-inspired sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the reserved zucchini flesh, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of water. Cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Once the zucchinis are cooked, remove them from the oven and pour the Chinese-inspired sauce over them. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Choose medium-sized zucchinis that are firm and free from blemishes. Scoop out the flesh carefully to create a hollow shell without breaking the zucchini.
• Chinese five-spice powder — This aromatic blend typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. If you can't find it, you can make your own by combining equal parts of these spices.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the meat and rice mixture.
• Feel free to substitute ground chicken or pork with ground beef or turkey, depending on your preference.
• Serve the stuffed zucchinis with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• Customize the sauce by adjusting the amount of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and ginger to suit your taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Zesty Zucchini Delight as a main course, accompanied by steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed zucchinis on a platter, drizzle the Chinese-inspired sauce over them, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. The vibrant green zucchinis and the rich sauce create an appealing contrast that will impress your guests.