Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumber
Kim Soo-mi’s Deliciously Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumber Recipe
A simple yet incredibly satisfying stir-fried cucumber dish! This recipe, inspired by Chef Kim Soo-mi, delivers a delightful crispy and chewy texture with an irresistible savory aroma. It’s quick to make and pairs wonderfully with a bowl of freshly steamed rice.
Ingredients- 2 Cucumbers
- 1/3 Bell Pepper (any color)
- 1.2 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- 1/2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by thoroughly washing the 2 cucumbers. You can use coarse salt or baking soda to scrub the skin, which helps remove any residue and can also reduce any slight bitterness from the cucumber.
Step 2
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 0.3 cm thick. Slicing them thinly ensures they cook evenly and maintain a pleasant crispness. Avoid making them too thick, as they might become mushy.
Step 3
Cut the bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the cucumber slices. Using a variety of colorful bell peppers will make the dish visually appealing.
Step 4
In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and bell peppers. Add 1.2 Tbsp of coarse salt and toss well. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which is key to achieving a crispy texture.
Step 5
After salting, it’s crucial to squeeze out the water. Transfer the cucumber and bell pepper mixture to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring out as much liquid as possible. This step prevents the dish from becoming watery when stir-fried.
Step 6
Heat a pan over medium heat and add 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 7
Add the squeezed cucumbers and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma as they cook. The goal here is to evaporate any remaining moisture while lightly cooking the vegetables, keeping them crisp.
Step 8
Just before turning off the heat, stir in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds. Give it a final quick toss to combine. This adds a final touch of nutty flavor and aroma, completing your delicious stir-fried cucumbers!
