Savory Stir-fried Cucumber with Beef Bulgogi Marinade
Quick & Flavorful Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry Using Leftover Bulgogi Marinade
While I love eating crisp, raw cucumbers, I also adore a good stir-fry of cucumbers and beef, seasoned with a delicious bulgogi marinade. This recipe uses pre-marinated bulgogi beef from the fridge, making it a delightful dish that’s both a perfect side for rice and a simple, satisfying meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and wonderful textures of this unique cucumber stir-fry!
Ingredients- 1 cucumber (or 2 if small)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- 100g marinated beef bulgogi (pre-marinated)
- 1 tsp minced green onion
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- A bit of red chili pepper (for color)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Depending on the size, one large cucumber or two smaller ones should suffice. Slice it into about 0.5cm thick half-moons. If you have a mandoline slicer, using it will ensure uniform slices.
Step 2
Sprinkle the sliced cucumber with salt. This process wilts the cucumber, helping to draw out excess moisture and maintain its crispness when cooked.
Step 3
Let the cucumber sit and salt-cure for about 15 minutes. If it becomes too salty, don’t rinse it under running water. Instead, drain the excess liquid and add a small amount of clean water to the bowl, then lift the cucumber pieces out, gently rinsing them.
Step 4
Place the salted cucumber in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much water as possible. Gently toss the cucumber slices, then squeeze again. This extra step ensures the cucumber is firm and crisp for stir-frying.
Step 5
Preheat a pan over medium-high heat. Add the squeezed cucumber slices and stir-fry, using chopsticks to separate any clumps, until they become slightly tender. Drizzle in the sesame oil and stir-fry for another moment until fragrant, giving the cucumber a glossy sheen and enhancing its nutty flavor. Remove the stir-fried cucumber from the pan and set aside.
Step 6
In the same pan (no additional oil needed), add the marinated bulgogi beef and stir-fry until it’s cooked through. If the pieces of beef are large, use chopsticks to break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces as they cook.
Step 7
Add the minced green onion and thinly sliced red chili pepper to the pan with the beef. Stir-fry together until fragrant. The red chili adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle hint of spice.
Step 8
Return the stir-fried cucumber to the pan. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry briefly until the garlic is aromatic. Adding garlic towards the end preserves its fresh, pungent flavor. Continue to stir-fry everything together until well combined.
Step 9
Transfer the finished stir-fry to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal. Your delicious Beef and Cucumber Stir-fry is ready to be enjoyed!
