Vibrant 10 Minute Summer Squash Stir Fry

Welcome to one of the most rewarding recipes in my collection—a dish that looks like a ray of sunshine on a plate and comes together in just 10 minutes. If you’re searching for a side dish that is incredibly fast, stunningly beautiful, and bursting with fresh, clean flavors, you’ve found it. This simple stir-fry is a celebration of summer squash in its purest form. While the elegant presentation of thinly shredded squash might look complex, this is secretly one of the most beginner-friendly dishes you can make. The cooking process is a quick stir-fry, a technique designed to cook vegetables rapidly over high heat, locking in their natural crunch and nutrients. The taste is wonderfully subtle and refreshing, allowing the natural sweetness of the squash to be the star, lightly accented with a hint of garlic. It’s a perfect, healthy addition to any meal.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this beautiful dish. The ingredient list is short and simple, and you likely have most of these items in your pantry already.

Ingredients:

• Yellow Summer Squash: 3 medium-sized ones. This might also be labeled as yellow zucchini. Their bright color is key to the dish’s visual appeal, but regular green zucchini will work just as wonderfully if that’s what you have on hand.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves, finely minced. The amount is flexible, so feel free to add more if you’re a big garlic fan!
• Cooking Oil: 1 to 2 tablespoons. A neutral oil with a high smoke point is best. Canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil are all excellent choices.
• Cooking Wine: 1 teaspoon. This refers to Shaoxing wine, which adds a specific depth and aroma. If you don’t have it, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with a splash of dry sherry, mirin, or even just a teaspoon of water or vegetable broth to help steam the squash.
• Salt: a pinch or two, to taste.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step by Step

This stir-fry happens very quickly, so it’s a great idea to have all your ingredients prepped and ready by the stove before you even turn on the heat.

1. First, give your yellow summer squash a good wash under cold water. Pat them dry, then trim off both the stem and the blossom ends.

2. Now, it’s time to shred the squash. The easiest way to do this is with the coarse side of a box grater. You can also use a food processor with a shredding attachment for even faster prep. You’ll end up with a beautiful pile of sunny yellow strands.

3. Place a large skillet or a wok over medium-high heat. Add your cooking oil and let it get hot—it should shimmer slightly. Once hot, add all of the shredded squash to the pan. Use a spatula or tongs to stir-fry, tossing the squash continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it just begins to soften.

4. Quickly add the cooking wine, a pinch of salt, and the minced garlic. Continue to stir-fry rapidly for another 30 to 60 seconds. Pro Tip: Adding the garlic at the very end prevents it from burning and becoming bitter, ensuring a fresh, fragrant flavor. The goal is to cook the squash until it’s crisp-tender—softened but still with a slight bite. Be careful not to overcook, or it will become watery and mushy.

5. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and transfer the stir-fried squash to a serving plate. Look at that gorgeous color! It’s fresh, crisp, and ready to be enjoyed right away.

And there you have it! A dish that truly tastes as bright and cheerful as it looks. The first bite is a wonderful surprise—the squash ribbons are tender yet have a delightful crunch, and the flavor is clean, light, and perfectly seasoned with just a whisper of savory garlic. It is absolute proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to create something elegant and delicious. This stir-fry has become my go-to side for everything from grilled fish and roasted chicken to a simple bowl of steamed rice. It’s also a fantastic way to use up the bounty of squash from a summer garden.

I truly hope you give this simple yet beautiful dish a try. It’s a fantastic way to add a healthy, vibrant vegetable to your plate without spending hours in the kitchen. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to drop a comment below and share your experience or any creative twists you added. Happy cooking