Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumber: A Deliciously Simple Recipe
Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumber: A Deliciously Simple Recipe
Enjoy a Refreshing and Crunchy Stir-Fried Cucumber!
While cucumber salad is popular, stir-frying cucumbers offers a delightful alternative with a unique crispness. The key to achieving that satisfying crunch lies in salting and thoroughly draining the cucumbers. This dish is perfect as a side for any meal or even as a tasty snack. Let’s get started on making this delightful stir-fried cucumber!
Key Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- 2 Tbsp coarse salt (for salting cucumbers)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather your ingredients: 2 cucumbers, and the seasoning ingredients (1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of sesame seeds). Don’t forget the 2 Tbsp of coarse salt needed for salting the cucumbers.
Step 2
Washing the cucumbers thoroughly is crucial. Gently rub the cucumber skins with a little coarse salt to clean them, then rinse under cold water several times. This helps remove any bitterness or impurities from the cucumbers.
Step 3
Slice the washed cucumbers thinly, about 0.5 cm thick. Sprinkle the 2 Tbsp of coarse salt over the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 30 minutes to salt. This process draws out moisture, making the cucumbers tender yet firm.
Step 4
After 30 minutes, squeeze out as much water as possible from the salted cucumbers by hand. Thoroughly draining the cucumbers is essential to prevent a watery dish and maintain their crisp texture when stir-fried.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to stir-fry! Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Sautéing the garlic releases its wonderful aroma, which will greatly enhance the flavor of your cucumber dish.
Step 6
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the squeezed cucumbers to the pan. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry quickly for about 1 minute, just until the cucumbers become slightly translucent. Overcooking will make them mushy. Next, add 1 Tbsp of sugar and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Stir-fry briefly, just enough to evaporate any remaining moisture from the cucumbers.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle with a good amount of sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and mix gently. Your delicious stir-fried cucumber is ready!
Step 8
Enjoy your wonderfully crisp and subtly flavored stir-fried cucumber, a perfect accompaniment to a warm bowl of rice!
Step 9
This visually appealing and tasty cucumber stir-fry is an excellent, simple side dish, so be sure to give it a try!
