Step 1

[Cucumber Sandwich Preparation] Thoroughly wash the cucumber and slice it thinly into bite-sized rounds. Place the sliced cucumber in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps maintain its crispness.

Step 2

After salting, gently squeeze the water out of the cucumber slices with your hands. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can break the cucumber.

Step 3

Toast the bread slices until golden brown. You can use a toaster or a dry skillet. Warm, toasted bread adds a lovely texture and flavor to the sandwich.

Step 4

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese onto the toasted bread slices. The cream cheese acts as a creamy binder between the bread and the cucumber.

Step 5

Arrange the drained cucumber slices evenly over the cream cheese on the bread.

Step 6

Drizzle mayonnaise over the cucumber slices and sprinkle with black pepper to your liking. Your simple and delicious cucumber sandwich is ready!

Step 7

[Cucumber and Chive Salad Preparation] Wash another cucumber and cut it in half lengthwise, then slice it thinly on the bias (about 0.5cm thick). Thinly slice 1/4 onion and cut the chives into 3-4cm lengths.

Step 8

Place the sliced cucumber in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt. Let it sit for 20 minutes to soften slightly. Rinse the cucumber under cold water to remove excess salt, then gently squeeze out any remaining water.

Step 9

In a clean bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients for the salad: 4 Tbsp gochugaru, 2 Tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 2 Tbsp corn syrup, and 2 Tbsp sesame oil. Mix well to create the dressing.

Step 10

Add the drained cucumber, chopped chives, and sliced onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving for a burst of flavor and texture. This salad is a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors!

Step 11

[Cucumber and Beef Stir-fry Preparation] Wash 2 cucumbers and slice them into bite-sized rounds. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and let them sit for 10-20 minutes to salt and tenderize. This step is crucial for a great texture.

Step 12

After salting, thoroughly squeeze the water out of the cucumber slices using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Excess water can make the stir-fry soggy.

Step 13

In a small bowl, mix together the seasoning ingredients for the stir-fry: 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/3 Tbsp sugar, 1/3 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/3 Tbsp chopped green onion, 1/3 Tbsp sesame oil, a pinch of black pepper, and a pinch of sesame seeds. Stir until well combined.

Step 14

Add the ground beef to the seasoning mixture and mix well with your hands, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Marinating the beef beforehand enhances its flavor.

Step 15

Heat a skillet or wok over medium heat with a little oil. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry, breaking it up with chopsticks or a spatula to prevent clumping, until it’s about 80% cooked.

Step 16

Once the beef is mostly cooked, push it to one side of the pan. Add the squeezed cucumber slices to the empty space and stir-fry them with the beef for 1-2 minutes. The goal is to cook the cucumber briefly to keep it crisp. Once everything is nicely combined, your flavorful Cucumber and Beef Stir-fry is ready to serve!