Savory Pork and Cucumber Stir-Fry
Savory Pork and Cucumber Stir-Fry
(Diet-Friendly!) A Special Pork and Cucumber Stir-Fry Recipe
This is a unique stir-fried dish made by combining tender pork with fresh, crisp cucumbers. It’s perfect as a diet-friendly meal or a delicious side dish for kids. Enjoy a simple yet impressive dish!
Main Ingredients- Pork (for Japchae) 250g
- 3 White Cucumbers
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
Seasoning and Others- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- A pinch of Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 250g of pork (the kind used for Japchae). In a bowl, place the pork and add 1 Tbsp minced garlic, a pinch of black pepper, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, and 1 Tbsp sugar. Mix well to marinate the pork. Let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
Step 2
Wash 3 white cucumbers thoroughly. Cut each cucumber into three equal pieces. Using a knife, peel the cucumbers by rotating them, removing the outer skin. Then, scoop out and discard the watery inner seed core. Slice the cucumber flesh thinly into matchsticks.
Step 3
To the julienned cucumbers, add about 1/2 tsp of salt (not listed in ingredients). Gently mix and let them sit for 10 minutes to salt them. This step draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers, ensuring a crisp texture and preventing the stir-fry from becoming watery.
Step 4
After salting, rinse the cucumbers under cold running water briefly. Squeeze out as much water as possible using your hands. Properly draining the cucumbers is crucial for maintaining their crispness when stir-fried.
Step 5
Cut the red chili pepper in half, remove the seeds, and wash it. Then, julienne it into thin strips, similar in thickness to the cucumber. This adds a pop of color and a hint of flavor. (For a spicier kick, you can use a green chili pepper.)
Step 6
Heat 1 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and stir continuously with chopsticks to separate the pieces. Stir-fry until the pork is fully cooked through. Cooking over high heat quickly will help retain the juices.
Step 7
Once the pork is nicely browned and cooked, add the squeezed cucumber strips and the julienned red chili pepper to the pan. Stir-fry vigorously for about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as the cucumbers can become mushy. Turn off the heat and drizzle with 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds for added aroma and flavor. Transfer the stir-fry to a large plate or platter immediately to cool slightly. This helps maintain the crisp texture.
Step 8
This pork and cucumber stir-fry is excellent for diets as it provides a good source of protein to complement the low-calorie cucumbers, and it’s packed with beneficial nutrients. It’s also a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your children’s meals!
