James Wu

James Wu
James Wu
Vegetable Sides, Sauces & Weeknight Dinners

James Wu, side dish curator – vegetable sides, sauces and quick dinners.

Profile:

Most of James Wu's recipes are sides: quick-cooked zucchini, roasted and stuffed squash, creamy gravies, dips and crisp, savory bites. Each one is written to pair with a specific kind of main, so the texture and acidity of the plate stay balanced. Browse them in Sides, where most of his work lives.

A smaller share of his recipes are full dinners, such as honey garlic butter salmon, chicken lettuce wraps, spicy tuna tartare wonton tacos and Greek-style stuffed squash with ground beef. They lean on fresh aromatics, bright sauces and short cooking times, and many are sized for four servings. Find them in Dinners.

What makes these recipes practical is the focus on timing and flavor: ingredient lists stay short, steps are ordered so a side can finish alongside the main, and sauces are built from pantry staples. If you want a dependable answer to what to serve with tonight's dinner, start with his recipes below.

Latest recipes:

Homemade Tzatziki Sauce with Greek Yogurt

Tzatziki Sauce in 10 Minutes

4.33 (6 Ratings)

Squeezing out all cucumber water makes a thick Tzatziki Sauce. This healthy Greek dip relies on a high-pressure squeeze to stay creamy in 10 min.

Curried Stuffed Acorn Squash in 80 Minutes

Curried Stuffed Acorn Squash

4.50 (2 Ratings)

Curried Stuffed Acorn Squash with lentils simmered in spiced broth. Microwaving the squash first makes it easier to cut. Ready in 80 minutes.

Ginger Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Quinoa Stuffed Squash

4.83 (6 Ratings)

Nutty toasted grains and caramelized base make this Quinoa Stuffed Squash a hearty meal. See the what makes this work section for flavor tips.

Roasted Garlic Stuffed Acorn Squash

Garlic Stuffed Acorn Squash

4.67 (6 Ratings)

A two-stage roast creates this Garlic Stuffed Acorn Squash. This savory side includes a breakdown of every ingredient and takes 60 min total.

Parmesan Herb Stuffed Acorn Squash

Easy Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

4.50 (6 Ratings)

Ready in 45 minutes, this Stuffed Acorn Squash is a savory fall side. It includes a substitute table to help you swap ingredients for any diet.

Guilt-Free Apple Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Apples

4.67 (3 Ratings)

This guide includes steps to roast and fill for a tart topping. Stuffed Acorn Squash is a hearty choice for anyone who loves acorn squash with apples.

Roasted Cheesy Acorn Squash Halves

Cheesy Acorn Squash

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Winter side dish lovers, try this Cheesy Acorn Squash. The section 'Why This Works' explains how high heat creates a golden brown crust and rich flavor.

Mushroom Stuffed Squash with Wild Rice

Mushroom Stuffed Squash

4.50 (6 Ratings)

Watery fillings often ruin roasted squash. This Mushroom Stuffed Squash stays earthy and rich; we include a guide on the necessary cooking steps.

Stuffed Vegan Acorn Squash in 55 Minutes

Stuffed Acorn Squash

4.50 (6 Ratings)

Plant-based cooks will love this Stuffed Acorn Squash. The maple glaze ensures a tender result, and the section Why the Texture Works explains it.

Spicy Asian Zucchini with Honey and Soy

Spicy Asian Zucchini

4.17 (6 Ratings)

Zucchini often turns mushy when cooked. This Spicy Asian Zucchini stays crisp with a high-heat sear; see the How to Nail the Texture section for tips.

15-Minute Lemon Garlic Zucchini

Lemon Garlic Zucchini

4.33 (6 Ratings)

Home cooks needing a bright side will love this Lemon Garlic Zucchini. It includes a guide on what each ingredient does for a bright, zesty result.

Failure-Proof Zucchini Asian Noodles

Zucchini Asian Noodles

4.50 (6 Ratings)

Savory sesame Zucchini Asian Noodles with an al dente crunch. This guide includes a detailed ingredient role table. Great for a light weekday dinner.

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Boats

Parmesan Zucchini Boats

4.33 (6 Ratings)

Zucchini can often turn out watery. These Parmesan Zucchini Boats use a browned cheese crust for a hearty finish; see the Why This Method Works section.

Korean Fried Zucchini (Hobak Jeon)

Korean Fried Zucchini

5.00 (6 Ratings)

Zucchini often turns soggy when pan-fried. This Korean Fried Zucchini uses a salt purge for a crisp finish and includes a clear guide to cooking steps.

Stir-Fried Pumpkin with Korean Zucchini

Stir-Fried Pumpkin in 10 Minutes

4.20 (5 Ratings)

Looking for a tasty Stir-fried Pumpkin side? This Hobak Bokkeum is ready in 10 minutes and includes a Cooking Step-by-Step guide for a firm texture.

Asian Zucchini Salad with Carrots and Sesame

Asian Zucchini Salad

4.83 (6 Ratings)

Zucchini salads often become watery and lose their crunch. This Asian Zucchini Salad stays snappy by salting the veg and includes a quick method comparison.

Japanese Zucchini and Onion Stir-Fry in 14 Minutes

Japanese Zucchini in 14 Minutes

4.50 (6 Ratings)

Savory umami Japanese Zucchini with charred edges. This guide includes a breakdown of what each ingredient does. Great for any weeknight dinner.

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini: Crispy

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Zucchini often turns out soggy when air fried. This Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini stays crisp with high heat; see the "Why These Get Crispy" section for the…

Sauteed Zucchini and Mushrooms in 20 Minutes

Sauteed Zucchini and Mushrooms

4.50 (6 Ratings)

Ready in 20 minutes, Sauteed Zucchini and Mushrooms provide a savory side. Learn why the heat matters to ensure a deep crust without steaming your vegetables.

Crispy Korean Zucchini Pancakes

Korean Zucchini Pancakes

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Soggy fritters are a common disappointment. This Zucchini Pancake Korean recipe uses a starch mix for a crisp crust and includes detailed recipe specs.

Korean Zucchini Banchan: Quick and Healthy

Korean Zucchini Recipe

4.33 (6 Ratings)

Looking for a savory Korean Zucchini Recipe? This pan-seared side dish stays crisp and includes a table showing what each ingredient does and best swaps.

Sautéed Zucchini and Onions with Garlic

Sautéed Zucchini and Onions

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Zucchini often turns soggy in the pan. Sautéed Zucchini and Onions stay crisp by delaying the salt; see our guide on why it stays crisp for the best result.

Asian Garlic-Ginger Sesame Zucchini Stir Fry

Asian Zucchini Recipe

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Home cooks wanting a healthy side will love this Asian Zucchini Recipe. The Why This Method Works section explains the salt draw for a crisp bite.

Failure-Proof Zucchini Stir Fry with Chicken

Zucchini Stir Fry with Chicken

4.67 (6 Ratings)

Glossy Zucchini Stir Fry with charred edges. We include a look at what makes this work for the best sear. Ideal for a fast weeknight dinner.