Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumber (Nogak Bokkeum): A Delicious Summer Side Dish
Chewy and Delicious! The Perfect Summer Side Dish: Nogak Stir-Fry Recipe
Cucumbers, especially the ‘nogak’ variety, are packed with moisture. To achieve a delightful chewy texture, it’s essential to salt them and thoroughly squeeze out the excess water. Just one nogak can make a generous serving of this tasty side dish. Whether enjoyed cold from the refrigerator as a seasoned salad (nogak muchim) or stir-fried like today’s recipe, cucumber dishes are always a winner! I picked two cucumbers; I used the larger one for a salad and the smaller one for this stir-fry. Let’s dive into this refreshing summer vegetable recipe!
Main Ingredients
- 1 Nogak cucumber (small size)
- 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt (cheonilyeom)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Select one fresh nogak cucumber to prepare. (Larger nogaks are great for salads, while smaller ones work well for stir-frying.)
Step 2
Using a peeler, carefully remove the skin from the nogak. Then, use a spoon to gently scoop out and discard the seeds from the center. Removing the seeds contributes to a better texture.
Step 3
Slice the peeled and deseeded nogak into thick pieces, about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them too thinly might cause them to become mushy when stir-fried, so aim for a satisfying thickness.
Step 4
Place the sliced nogak in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt. Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to salt-cure. This salting process is crucial for drawing out excess moisture and achieving a chewy texture.
Step 5
Transfer the salted nogak into a clean cloth or mesh bag. Squeeze out as much water as possible by hand. This step removes the slight bitterness and excess liquid, preventing the dish from becoming watery when cooked.
Step 6
Heat 1 tablespoon of perilla oil in a pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant. Once the garlic releases its aroma, add 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and toast briefly for a nutty flavor.
Step 7
Add the squeezed nogak to the pan and increase the heat to medium. Stir-fry quickly. Toss in 1 tablespoon of chopped green onion and continue to cook. Once the nogak starts to turn translucent, turn off the heat and drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a final touch of aroma and flavor.
Step 8
Your crispy and savory nogak stir-fry is ready! It’s a perfect summer side dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Enjoy it chilled for a light snack or serve it warm with your rice for a delightful meal. #SummerDelicacy #NogakRecipe
Step 9
This simple stir-fried nogak, made without heavy seasoning, highlights the natural flavor and delightful chewy texture of the cucumber. As long as you properly remove the moisture, anyone can easily make a delicious nogak stir-fry.
Step 10
The heavy rain that poured until yesterday finally stopped early this morning, offering a brief respite. However, the summer heat is expected to intensify. A hydrating dish like this nogak stir-fry or salad can be an excellent way to beat the heat. Wishing you a healthy and cool summer!
