Mild and Delicious Stir-Fried Cucumber for Babies
[Baby Food] Making Mild Stir-Fried Cucumber That Babies Love
Unlike the chewy texture and strong seasonings enjoyed by adults, this recipe creates a mild stir-fried cucumber that babies can enjoy without resistance, savoring the subtle sweetness and soft texture of the cucumber. It’s perfect for late-stage baby food or toddler meals, serving as a healthy side dish to stimulate your baby’s appetite.
Main Ingredients
- 1 fresh cucumber
Seasonings and Others
- 200ml clean water
- 1 tsp finely ground salt
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp brown rice oil or mild cooking oil
- 0.5 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 200ml clean water
- 1 tsp finely ground salt
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp brown rice oil or mild cooking oil
- 0.5 tsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh cucumber thoroughly under running water. Then, peel the skin using a peeler, and slice it into half-moons about 0.5cm thick. It’s important to maintain a moderate thickness; if the cucumber slices are too thin, they can easily become mushy when stir-fried.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine 200ml of clean water with 1 tsp of finely ground salt and mix well. Add all the sliced cucumber to this saltwater solution and let it brine for 20 minutes. This process will draw out some of the cucumber’s moisture, helping to maintain a slightly chewy texture and allowing the salt to gently flavor the cucumber.
Step 3
After 20 minutes, take out the brined cucumber and gently squeeze out the excess water with your hands. For even drier cucumber, you can use a clean cloth or paper towels to press out the moisture thoroughly. This step prevents the cucumber from releasing too much water during stir-frying, leading to a better texture.
Step 4
Now, let’s begin the stir-frying process. Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add 1 Tbsp of brown rice oil or a mild cooking oil that is safe for babies. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; the key is to release its savory aroma.
Step 5
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the drained cucumber slices to the pan and stir-fry them together. Gently mix to ensure the garlic aroma and oil coat the cucumber evenly.
Step 6
Increase the heat to high and quickly stir-fry the cucumber for about 2 minutes, or until it starts to turn slightly translucent. Avoid overcooking, as the cucumber should retain a crisp texture. Quickly stir in 0.5 tsp of sesame oil and a pinch of sesame seeds, stir-frying for just a few more seconds to finish.
Step 7
Transfer the warm stir-fried cucumber to a wide serving dish. Allow it to cool completely, letting the steam escape. Cooling it thoroughly will enhance its crispness and preserve its vibrant color, making this healthy stir-fried cucumber a delightful and appealing dish for your baby.
