Stir-Fried Cucumber Side Dish
Stir-Fried Cucumber Side Dish
Don’t Discard Slightly Soft Cucumbers! Deliciously Chewy Stir-Fried Cucumber Side Dish Recipe
Have you ever bought cucumbers only to forget about them? Do you often find yourself about to discard them because they’re a bit soft? There’s no need! By simply trimming off any blemishes and stir-frying, you can transform them into a fantastic side dish. Cucumbers are naturally delicious and popular for diets due to their high water content. Enjoy them in a stir-fried form!
Main Ingredients- 2 cucumbers
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly and prepare them. Rinse them under running water to remove any dirt.
Step 2
Slice the washed cucumbers thinly, about 0.3-0.5 cm thick. Slicing them thinly helps them absorb flavor well and improves texture.
Step 3
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of coarse salt, and gently mix. Let them salt for about 10 minutes. The cucumbers will soften and release their moisture.
Step 4
Drain the salted cucumbers in a colander to remove as much moisture as possible, or squeeze them firmly by hand. Squeezing out the water well is crucial for a chewy texture and to prevent sogginess when stir-frying.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant over low heat. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 6
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the squeezed cucumbers to the pan and stir-fry quickly for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. The key is to coat the cucumbers in oil and cook them just enough to maintain their crispness.
Step 7
As the cucumbers start to look slightly translucent, add 1 tablespoon of agave syrup or corn syrup and mix well. This adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the savory flavor.
Step 8
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and a pinch of sesame seeds. Stir-fry briefly for another moment to add aroma. Turn off the heat and let the residual heat lightly mix everything.
Step 9
Your delicious, chewy stir-fried cucumber side dish is complete! It’s a wonderful accompaniment to a warm bowl of rice or a great addition to your bento box.
