Quick and Crispy Sautéed Cucumber Recipe
Super Easy and Refreshing Side Dish: Sautéed Cucumbers
A delightful side dish where the natural flavor of cucumber shines through, enhanced by a light seasoning. It’s not overly seasoned, allowing you to fully appreciate the refreshing taste of cucumber.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cucumber (medium-sized)
Seasoning
- Pinch of salt (for curing)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Sesame oil
- Pinch of sesame seeds
- Pinch of salt (for curing)
- Sugar (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper
- Sesame oil
- Pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. If desired, use baking soda or coarse salt to scrub the surface clean. Slice the cucumber into approximately 0.5cm thick rounds. (If you have a family of four, it’s advisable to use two cucumbers.)
Step 2
In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumber with about 0.5 tablespoons of salt and a pinch of sugar (add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste). Gently toss to coat. Let it sit and cure for about 10 minutes until the cucumber softens slightly and becomes crisp.
Step 3
Once the cucumber has released its water and looks somewhat softened, squeeze out as much liquid as possible by hand. This step is crucial for maintaining the crisp texture of the cucumber when sautéed.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of minced garlic (about 0.5 tablespoon) and sauté briefly until fragrant. Add the squeezed cucumber to the pan, along with a pinch of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of sesame seeds. Stir-fry quickly over high heat to keep the cucumber crisp. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding a tiny bit more salt if needed.
