Savory Stir-Fried Cucumber with Saeujeot (Fermented Shrimp Sauce)
A Deliciously Nutty ‘Stir-Fried Cucumber’ with Saeujeot
Let’s make a flavorful ‘Stir-Fried Cucumber’ by stir-frying cucumbers in perilla oil and adding a savory depth with saeujeot (fermented shrimp paste). This dish offers a delightful nutty aroma and a rich umami taste.
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 2 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 tsp saeujeot (fermented shrimp paste, solids only)
- 2 Tbsp perilla oil
- 1 tsp saeujeot (fermented shrimp paste, solids only)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients needed for the recipe. Have your fresh cucumber, green onion, and the key ingredient, saeujeot, ready.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water, pat it dry, and slice it thinly, about 0.3 cm thick. Slicing them too thick might increase the cooking time.
Step 3
Place the sliced cucumber in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 tsp of coarse sea salt. Mix well and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This salting process draws out excess moisture, making the cucumber crispier.
Step 4
After 10 minutes, rinse the salted cucumber quickly under cold water to remove the salt. Then, squeeze out as much water as possible by hand. Removing excess water is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery when stir-fried.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 2 Tbsp of fragrant perilla oil. Add the drained cucumber slices and the chopped green onion. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes, just until the cucumber begins to soften slightly.
Step 6
Now it’s time to add the secret ingredient for flavor: saeujeot. Measure out 1 tsp of saeujeot. It’s best to use the solids rather than the liquid to avoid making the dish too salty, while still enhancing the umami. Add it to the pan and mix well.
Step 7
Stir-fry everything together quickly for about another minute, ensuring the saeujeot is evenly distributed. A quick stir-fry will keep the cucumber crisp while infusing it with delicious flavor. Your dish is almost ready!
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma and visual appeal. The glistening sesame seeds will elevate both the taste and the look of your stir-fried cucumber. Enjoy this delightful and flavorful dish!
