Zucchini season is in full swing, and we are enjoying the harvest of our hard work in the garden. We have harvested plenty of zucchini. Enough to freeze for winter treats like Coconut Lime Zucchini Bread and Chocolate Zucchini muffins and share with friends and neighbors. Of course, we have also made a lot of really great meals over the last few weeks. Such as one of my favorite indulgences, fried zucchini!
Just last night we made Korean beef zucchini boats, and wow, they were a hit! I had found an incredible recipe for Korean beef in an old Hawaiian cookbook gifted to me by my dear friend Merle. Originally written for Korean short ribs, but I decided to use it as a seasoning base for ground beef instead. After cooking up the meat, I stuffed it into our large zucchini boats and baked them in the oven for about 20 minutes. The result? Absolutely phenomenal!
These Korean beef zucchini boats are packed with flavor and are very filling! Plus, they are lower in carbs compared to serving them with rice. And let me tell you, the pickled red onions are a must! They bring a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor to the dish while adding a nice crunchy texture. The seasoned ground beef topped with the pickled onions works perfectly in the mild zucchini!
What is Korean Beef?
The term Korean beef actually refers to various beef dishes that utilize traditional Korean cooking methods and flavors. It’s not just one specific dish; it’s a whole category of meals that focuses on balancing bold and harmonious tastes. Beef is considered a premium treat. It is often reserved for special occasions like family gatherings or celebrations.
Korean beef dishes beautifully balance five key tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy. The ingredients work in harmony to highlight the beef’s natural flavor without overshadowing it. In Korean cuisine, the focus is all about balance and harmony, and that’s so evident in the way beef is prepared.
One of the most famous Korean beef dishes you probably have heard of is bulgogi. It features thinly sliced beef marinated in a sweet and savory sauce. This sauce is made with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and sometimes even grated pear or apple for that extra touch of natural sweetness. The meat gets grilled, stir-fried, or broiled, and is often served with rice, lovely lettuce wraps, and a variety of banchan.
Another popular dish is galbi, or Korean BBQ short ribs. They’re prepared by butterflying the beef short ribs or cutting them across the bone. They are then marinated in a similar sauce to bulgogi, often enhanced with rice wine, ginger, and green onions. When grilled over charcoal, galbi develops a delicious, caramelized crust and that fantastic smoky flavor.
What are Zucchini Boats?
Zucchini boats are such a fun and tasty way to enjoy a meal! It’s simple: you take some zucchinis, slice them in half, scoop them out a bit, and then fill them with all kinds of savory goodness. You can use your favorite meats, grains, cheeses, veggies, or sauces. It’s like a little tasty vessel ready to be baked or grilled!
Zucchini boats are popular among health-conscious eaters, and low-carb or keto dieters. This is because they’re simple to make, naturally gluten-free, and adaptable to just about any cuisine. They are low in calories and carbs but packed with fiber and water. When you fill them with lean proteins and a variety of veggies, zucchini boats can turn into a nutrient rich meal!
Think of zucchini boats like tacos or baked potatoes. There’s a way to make it work for whatever flavor or dietary style you’re going for. Whether you’re craving Italian, Mexican, Korean, Mediterranean, vegetarian, or something spicy, the options are almost limitless.
Plus, it’s a perfect family cooking activity. Showing children how the produce is grown and used are life lessons worth teaching!
Here are some of the great health benefits zucchini brings to the table:
- Vitamin C: great for your immune system and skin
- Potassium: helps keep your blood pressure in check
- Fiber: supports digestion
- Antioxidants: like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are fantastic for eye health
When you prepare zucchini with lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains, you’ve got a wonderfully satisfying meal! Zucchini boats are proof that eating healthy can be colorful and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a big group, meal-prepping for the week ahead, or just trying to make the most of your summer zucchini harvest, zucchini boats are a simple yet creative solution.
Preparation, Servings, and Storage
Korean beef zucchini boats are super simple to prepare and can be ready to serve a family of four in less than an hour. Each zucchini boat is a hearty meal on its own, but if you want to offer a variety of sides, you can easily cut them in half and share them with more friends or family! If you happen to have leftovers, just store them into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 3 minutes and they’ll be just as delicious!
I really hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do—it’s such a flavorful way to make the most of zucchini!
Looking for More Lower Carb Meals? Try:
Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables
Hawaiian Kalua Pork Zucchini Boats
Korean Beef Zucchini Boats
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1/2 cup Soy sauce
- 2 Green onions, diced
- Sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup Pickled red onions
- 2 Large Zucchini
- 2 tsp Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Slice 2 large zucchini lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the zucchini on a sheet pan, green (skin) side down.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the zucchini to draw out the water. Allow to sit for 15 minutes.
- Dab the zucchini with a paper towel to soak up the water that came out of the zucchini while resting.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the zucchini is baking, heat the cast iron skillet over medium to medium high heat.
- Brown the ground beef, chopping as it browns to obtain small pieces.
- Add the garlic, sugar, ground ginger, black pepper, sesame oil, honey, soy sauce and one green onion to the skillet.
- Once the zucchini has baked for 20 minutes, and the ground beef is cooked through, fill the zucchini boats with the Korean beef mixture.
- Sprinkle sesame seed on top of each boat and bake for 10 minutes.
- Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and serve immediately topped with freshly diced green onions and pickled red onions.
Nutrition
One of my favorite zucchini boat recipes!