Crispy Sautéed Cucumber with Perilla Oil
Crispy Sautéed Cucumber with Perilla Oil
Lightly salted cucumbers from the garden, sautéed in fragrant perilla oil for a delightful side dish.
Tired of the usual fresh cucumber salad? Try this wonderfully flavorful sautéed cucumber! Lightly salting and then stir-frying brings out a fantastic crisp texture, enhanced by the nutty aroma of perilla oil. It’s a simple yet delicious side dish that adds a special touch to any meal.
Main Ingredients- 2 Cucumbers
- 1/4 Onion
- 2 Korean chili peppers (Cheongyang peppers)
- A small amount of octopus tentacles (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fresh cucumbers, ideally picked from a garden for the best flavor. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly shaped; their taste will be amazing!
Step 2
Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise. If they have many seeds, scoop them out gently with a spoon. Slice the cucumbers into thin, half-moon shapes (about 0.5cm thick). In a bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers with 1 Tbsp of coarse salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture and soften slightly.
Step 3
After salting, squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumbers using your hands. If you’re using octopus tentacles, slice them into bite-sized pieces now, ready for stir-frying.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of perilla oil. Add the octopus tentacles (if using) and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they become slightly tender and release their savory aroma.
Step 5
Once the octopus is lightly cooked, add the squeezed-out cucumber slices to the pan. Stir-fry them together with the octopus, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 6
Since the cucumbers were salted earlier, be cautious with the soy sauce. Add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce to enhance the umami. Taste as you go and add a tiny bit more if needed, but avoid over-salting.
Step 7
Add the thinly sliced onion, chopped Korean chili peppers, and chopped green onion to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for another minute or so, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Cooking over high heat for a short time will help maintain the cucumber’s crispness.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds. A dash of black pepper can be added if you like. Your delicious sautéed cucumber with perilla oil is ready to serve!
