Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumbers
Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumbers
[Easy Summer Side Dish] The Ultimate Stir-Fried Cucumber Recipe – Perfect for Rice, Packed Lunches, and Kids!
Discover a refreshing and crisp stir-fried cucumber recipe that’s perfect as a side dish for any meal, a packed lunch addition, or even a healthy snack for kids. This simple recipe is a summer must-have!
Ingredients- 3 Cucumbers
- 1.5 Tbsp Salt (for salting cucumbers)
- 3 Scallions
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
- 1.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- A pinch of Sesame Seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into approximately 0.5cm thick rounds. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and add 1.5 tablespoons of salt. Toss well to coat evenly. This step helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
Step 2
Arrange the salted cucumber slices in the bowl, stacking them neatly. Let them sit for about 1 hour to allow the salt to draw out more moisture. You can gently toss them once halfway through.
Step 3
After 1 hour, rinse the cucumbers under cool running water to remove excess salt. Be careful not to rinse for too long, as this can wash away too much of the salt and affect the flavor.
Step 4
Gently squeeze out as much water as possible from the rinsed cucumbers by hand, or drain them in a colander. Alternatively, using a salad spinner can efficiently remove excess water. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to preventing a watery stir-fry.
Step 5
Prepare your cooking vessel. A concave pan or a wide frying pan works best, as it helps keep the cucumbers contained while stir-frying.
Step 6
Prepare the aromatic and colorful additions. Chop the scallions into appropriate lengths and thinly slice the red chili pepper after removing the seeds. Have your minced garlic ready.
Step 7
Add the moisture-free cucumber slices to the pan. Drizzle generously with 2 tablespoons of perilla oil for a nutty aroma. Toss the cucumbers to coat them evenly with the oil.
Step 8
Heat the pan over high heat and stir-fry the cucumbers for about 1 minute. Stir-frying quickly over high heat helps maintain their crispness.
Step 9
Add the 1.5 tablespoons of minced garlic. Continue to stir-fry over high heat for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and its flavor infuses into the cucumbers.
Step 10
Reduce the heat to medium-high. Add the chopped scallions and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened. About 10 seconds before turning off the heat, add the sliced red chili pepper and mix well to combine. Avoid overcooking, which can make the cucumbers mushy.
Step 11
Transfer the stir-fried cucumbers to a large bowl to cool down slightly. This cooling process helps to further enhance the crisp texture and prevents them from becoming overcooked.
Step 12
Once slightly cooled, transfer the delicious stir-fried cucumbers to a serving container. Garnish generously with sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor. Enjoy immediately, or store in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold side dish.
