Crispy Stir-Fried Beef and Cucumber Recipe
Simple and Delicious Stir-Fried Beef and Cucumber
Introducing a special recipe for delightfully stir-fried crisp cucumbers. Instead of enjoying cucumbers raw, try this unique stir-fried preparation that makes for a fantastic side dish that will have you reaching for more rice! The harmony of chewy beef and crunchy cucumber is exquisite, and it’s easy for anyone to make with simple ingredients.
Main Ingredients- 1 fresh cucumber
- 1/2 cup ground beef
Seasonings & Condiments- 1 and 1/3 tablespoons salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 and 1/3 tablespoons salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 1 fresh cucumber. Wash the cucumber thoroughly and then slice it to your desired thickness and shape. Slicing it too thinly might make it mushy when stir-fried, so it’s best to slice it a bit thicker to maintain its crispness. You can slice it diagonally, into half-moons, or as you prefer.
Step 2
Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the sliced cucumber and mix well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften slightly and release some of its moisture. This step helps prevent the cucumber from becoming watery during stir-frying and ensures it stays crisp. Gently squeeze out the released water with your hands. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this can affect the cucumber’s texture.
Step 3
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break up any clumps of beef as it cooks. Season with 1/3 tablespoon of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Once the beef changes color and starts to cook, add the squeezed cucumber slices and stir-fry together. Stir-fry quickly just until the cucumber turns translucent and is slightly cooked, maintaining its crisp texture.
Step 4
When the cucumber is cooked to your liking, add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, finishing the dish. Adding sesame oil at the end helps to preserve its fragrant aroma.
Step 5
Transfer the finished stir-fried beef and cucumber to a nice serving plate. You’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time! It’s perfect to enjoy with a warm bowl of rice or even as a simple appetizer.
