Stir-fried Old Cucumber and Cheongyang Peppers
How to Make Stir-fried Old Cucumber with Cheongyang Peppers
After a restless night due to the summer heatwave, I’m starting my morning with a cup of coffee, feeling refreshed. Today, I’m excited to introduce a dish that will add vibrancy to your table: #StirFriedOldCucumber, perfect as a #DinnerSideDish or a unique #OldCucumberRecipe. Old cucumbers, distinct from regular cucumbers, have a special seed type and higher water content, resulting in a satisfying crunch. While I couldn’t plant my own ‘nogak’ (a specific type of large, old cucumber) this year, I’m enjoying stir-frying and seasoning these mature cucumbers instead. ‘Nogak’ cucumbers are known for their ample moisture, offering a crisp texture, but they can release a lot of water when seasoned. Still, the unique flavor of ‘nogak’ is unforgettable! This stir-fry combines the hearty flavor of the old cucumber with the subtle heat and aroma of ‘gori’ peppers, creating a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal summer vegetables!
Main Ingredients- 4 Old Cucumbers
- 6 Cheongyang Peppers (or similar mild, slightly spicy green peppers)
- 1 Red Chili Pepper
Seasoning & Aromatics- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (or Anchovy Sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Perilla Oil (Deulgireum)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (or Anchovy Sauce)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by washing the old cucumbers thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the center. Slice the cucumbers into pieces about 0.5cm thick – not too thin, but substantial enough to maintain a good texture.
Step 2
Place the sliced old cucumbers in a bowl and generously sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crisp texture when stir-fried and preventing the dish from becoming watery.
Step 3
Prepare the ‘gori’ peppers by removing their stems and slicing them diagonally into large pieces. Finely chop the red chili pepper for a touch of color. You can adjust the size of the pepper slices to your preference.
Step 4
After salting, rinse the old cucumbers lightly under cold water to remove excess salt. Then, squeeze them firmly with your hands to remove as much moisture as possible. This ensures the stir-fry won’t be watery. Heat a generous amount of perilla oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the squeezed old cucumbers and begin to stir-fry.
Step 5
To enhance the umami flavor of the cucumber stir-fry, add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of gochugaru. Stir-frying these aromatics and seasonings with the cucumber will help release their fragrance and deepen the overall taste.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and continue to stir-fry. Since old cucumbers can sometimes have a mild flavor, adding 1/2 tablespoon of sugar at this stage helps to balance the taste by bringing out a subtle sweetness and rounding out any potential bitterness.
Step 7
Finally, add the prepared ‘gori’ peppers and red chili pepper to the pan. Stir-fry quickly for just a minute or two until the peppers are slightly softened but still retain some crispness. Overcooking will make them mushy, so a brief stir-fry is key for both texture and vibrant color. While stir-frying old cucumbers alone is delicious, adding ‘gori’ peppers provides a delightful contrast and makes this #StirFriedGoriPepperCucumber a visually appealing and flavorful dish.
Step 8
Transfer the finished stir-fried old cucumber and pepper mixture to a serving plate. Sprinkle a final touch of toasted sesame seeds on top for garnish. Your flavorful old cucumber stir-fry is now ready to be enjoyed!
Step 9
This stir-fry offers a unique chewy yet crisp texture that sets it apart from regular cucumber dishes. It’s a highly recommended #JulySeasonalDish, a perfect #CucumberStirFry or #CucumberDish, and a delicious #SummerSideDish. It’s also known as #NogakStirFry, offering a delightful taste of summer.
Step 10
Cucumbers, with their high water content, are a refreshing and healthy addition to summer meals, helping us stay hydrated and energized during the heat. This stir-fried version is so satisfying and versatile that you’ll find yourself wanting to make it often!
