Stir-fried Old Cucumber with Shrimp
How to Make Delicious Stir-fried Old Cucumber with Shrimp
While ‘nogak’ (old cucumber) is delicious when seasoned as a side dish, stir-frying it with sweet shrimp creates a refreshing and crisp texture that is truly delightful. The slight bitterness of the old cucumber disappears during the stir-frying process, blending with the savory sweetness of the shrimp for a richer flavor. This dish is perfect as a side for rice or even as a snack with drinks. Learn how to easily make this delicious stir-fried old cucumber with shrimp!
Ingredients- 1 ripe old cucumber (nogak)
- 1 handful of shrimp meat (approx. 50-70g)
- 6 stalks of green onions (scallions)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Pinch of salt
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract sauce (or soy sauce/anchovy sauce)
- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin or sake)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the old cucumber thoroughly. When selecting an old cucumber, choose one that feels heavy and firm to the touch, with a non-withered stem. A uniform yellowish hue with a slight greenish tint indicates it’s sweet and flavorful.
Step 2
Using a peeler, carefully peel the skin off the old cucumber.
Step 3
Cut the peeled old cucumber in half lengthwise.
Step 4
Scoop out the seeds from the center using a spoon. Removing too many seeds can make the texture mushy.
Step 5
Trim off the ends, especially the stem area, as it can be bitter. Then, slice the old cucumber into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5 cm thick.
Step 6
Wash the green onions and red chili pepper. Cut the green onions into 2-3 cm lengths and the red chili pepper into similar sizes for both color and texture.
Step 7
Prepare the shrimp meat to add flavor to the stir-fry. While other seafood or meats like clams or beef can also be used, shrimp is a great choice here. Marinate the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of cooking wine to remove any fishy odor and tenderize it.
Step 8
Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pan. Using sesame oil adds a lovely nutty aroma. You can also use perilla oil if you prefer.
Step 9
Once the pan is hot, add the sliced old cucumber and the marinated shrimp. Stir-fry over high heat for a short time. Stir-frying quickly over high heat helps maintain the crispness of the old cucumber.
Step 10
Continue to stir-fry until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, and the old cucumber begins to soften, about 1-2 minutes. It should look slightly wilted.
Step 11
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of tuna extract sauce around the edges of the pan for added umami. If you don’t have tuna extract, you can substitute it with soy sauce or anchovy sauce. Adjust the type and amount of seasoning to your taste.
Step 12
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it cook until the old cucumber becomes translucent and tender. Since old cucumber has high water content, cooking with the lid on allows it to steam in its own juices and the shrimp’s juices, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
Step 13
When the old cucumber is almost cooked, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and stir-fry briefly. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed. Be careful not to add too much soy sauce or extract sauce, as it can darken the color of the dish. Add the red chili pepper and green onions now.
Step 14
Add the prepared red chili pepper and green onions. Stir quickly over high heat to combine and cook for just a moment longer, ensuring the vegetables don’t become too soft. Once everything is well-seasoned, turn off the heat.
Step 15
Finally, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish. Transfer the delicious stir-fried old cucumber with shrimp to a serving dish. It might resemble pumpkin namul at first glance, but it has a refreshing cucumber-like taste with a wonderfully crisp and sweet flavor. Enjoy your meal!
