Crispy Stir-Fried White Cucumber Salad
Crispy Stir-Fried White Cucumber Salad
Kid-Friendly Side Dish! White Cucumber Stir-Fry Recipe
Try this delightful white cucumber stir-fry, which has a wonderfully crisp texture and makes a unique side dish when cucumbers are in season and affordable. It’s a simple yet delicious addition to any meal, perfect for bibimbap or as a healthy diet food.
Main Ingredients- 5 White Cucumbers
Seasoning & Others- 1.5 Tbsp Coarse Salt (for salting cucumbers)
- 2 Tbsp Roasted Sesame Seeds (finely ground)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1.5 Tbsp Coarse Salt (for salting cucumbers)
- 2 Tbsp Roasted Sesame Seeds (finely ground)
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the white cucumbers thoroughly by gently rubbing their surface with a soft scrubber or kitchen towel. Ensuring they are free of any residue is key.
Step 2
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 0.2mm thick. Using a mandoline slicer will help you achieve uniform, thin slices. If you don’t have one, slice them as thinly as possible with a knife.
Step 3
Add 1.5 tablespoons of coarse salt to the sliced cucumbers and mix well. The salt will effectively draw out the moisture, enhancing the crispness. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to salt.
Step 4
To check if the cucumbers are sufficiently salted, try folding a slice in half. If it bends gently without breaking, they are ready.
Step 5
Without rinsing the salted cucumbers, place them in a cheesecloth or a clean cotton cloth. Squeeze out as much water as possible. The firmer the squeeze, the chewier and more delightful the final texture will be. Thoroughly squeezing out the water is crucial for the best texture.
Step 6
Finely grind or crush the 2 tablespoons of roasted sesame seeds using a knife or mortar and pestle. This step maximizes the nutty aroma and flavor of the sesame seeds.
Step 7
In a pan, combine the ground sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Mix everything well. Pre-mixing the seasonings ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the cucumber.
Step 8
Add the seasoned cucumbers to the pan and stir-fry over high heat. It’s important to cook them quickly for only 1 to 2 minutes to maintain their crispness. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the cucumbers mushy.
Step 9
Immediately transfer the stir-fried cucumbers from the pan to a tray or large plate to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will become even chewier and more delicious as they chill. This dish offers a wonderful texture when served cold and is excellent for topping bibimbap or as a healthy addition to your diet.
