Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumber: A Super Easy Side Dish
Let’s make a super simple, universally loved side dish: stir-fried cucumber!
Perfect for when you have a poor appetite! Make this wonderfully crisp and delicious stir-fried cucumber dish easily, loved by both adults and children alike. It’s so good, you’ll finish a bowl of rice in no time.
Ingredients
- 2 Cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Pinch Sugar
- 1/4 Carrot
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 Handful Green Onions (Scallions)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
This stir-fried cucumber dish boasts a fantastic crisp texture and savory flavor, making it an absolute winner as a side for any meal. It’s incredibly simple to prepare.
Step 2
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. For an even cleaner result, you can gently rub them with a bit of coarse salt to remove any surface dirt or impurities.
Step 3
Slice the cleaned cucumbers into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Sprinkle about 1/2 tablespoon of salt over the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to wilt. This process draws out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
Step 4
While the cucumbers are salting, julienne the carrot. Adding carrots not only makes the stir-fry visually appealing with a splash of color but also boosts its nutritional value. After the cucumbers have wilted, rinse them under cold water and squeeze out as much moisture as possible with your hands. This step is crucial to prevent the dish from becoming watery and to maintain that satisfying crunch.
Step 5
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry until fragrant, creating infused green onion oil. This step significantly enhances the flavor of the cucumber stir-fry. Once the green onion oil is ready, add the julienned carrots and stir-fry briefly.
Step 6
Now, add the squeezed cucumbers to the pan along with 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic and a pinch of sugar. Stir-fry quickly over high heat. Be careful not to overcook; stir-frying for just 1-2 minutes over high heat is key to keeping the cucumbers crisp and preventing them from becoming mushy.
Step 7
Finally, turn off the heat and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds for garnish. Your vibrant green, glossy stir-fried cucumber dish is complete! It’s the perfect side dish to revive your appetite, especially during the hot summer months.
