Crispy Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry Recipe
Crispy Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry Recipe
Simple and Delicious Summer Side Dish: How to Make Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry
Utilize your garden-fresh cucumbers and any leftover beef to create a wonderfully crisp ‘Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry’. The harmonious combination of savory beef and crunchy cucumber is simply delightful, making it a perfect side dish for meals or lunchboxes. It’s a fantastic dish to enjoy when you crave something refreshing. This stir-fry is even more delicious when chilled after refrigeration, as the cucumber’s crispness intensifies. Let’s learn how to make this summery specialty, Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry, step by step.
Main Ingredients- 120g Ground Beef
- 1 Fresh Cucumber
- A pinch of Red Chili Pepper (for garnish, optional)
Seasoning and Other Ingredients- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Beef Marination- 0.7 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin or Sake)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Black Pepper
Cucumber Salting- 0.5 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Beef Marination- 0.7 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin or Sake)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- A pinch of Black Pepper
Cucumber Salting- 0.5 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- 0.5 Tbsp Coarse Salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s marinate the beef. Gently pat the ground beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place it in a bowl, add minced garlic, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This step helps to eliminate any gamey odors and enhance the beef’s flavor.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly, trim off the ends, and slice it into thin rounds, about 2mm thick. Sprinkle 0.5 Tbsp of coarse salt over the sliced cucumber and let it sit for 10 minutes to salt. This process draws out moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
Step 3
Rinse the salted cucumber lightly under running water to remove excess salt. Then, squeeze out as much water as possible using your hands. The drier the cucumber, the crisper it will be, so squeezing firmly is key. However, avoid squeezing too hard, which can result in the cucumber losing all its moisture and flavor.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. Add the marinated ground beef and stir-fry until it’s fully cooked and becomes crumbly, with most of the moisture evaporated. Once the beef is cooked, add the squeezed cucumber and stir-fry quickly over high heat. Avoid overcooking the cucumber, as it will become mushy. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it’s just slightly wilted.
Step 5
Reduce the heat slightly. Add 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of fish sauce, and the remaining 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together quickly to combine. Cook for just a moment to ensure the seasonings coat the ingredients evenly, then turn off the heat immediately.
Step 6
With the heat turned off, sprinkle 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry. The residual heat will toast the seeds slightly, releasing their nutty aroma and enhancing the overall flavor. Your delicious, crispy Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry is now ready!
Step 7
Transfer the finished Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry to a serving dish. If desired, garnish with thinly sliced red chili pepper and an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds for a more appealing presentation. The red chili adds a touch of color and a hint of spice, but it’s optional.
Step 8
This Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry is loved for its satisfyingly crisp texture with every bite. It’s especially delightful when chilled after refrigeration, as the cucumber becomes even crunchier. It’s a perfect refreshing dish for the summer.
Step 9
There’s nothing quite like a fresh, crisp cucumber dish during the summer! If you happen to have leftover beef, try stir-frying it with cucumber for a unique and tasty side. Even without beef, this dish is delicious on its own, so feel free to give it a try!
