Crispy Cucumber and Konjac Stir-fry
Low-Calorie Healthy Recipe: The Perfect Match of Crunchy Cucumber and Chewy Konjac, Cucumber Konjac Stir-fry
Worried about managing your weight? Enjoy a healthy diet with this Cucumber Konjac Stir-fry, which lowers calories while boosting flavor! It’s a delightful dish that offers both chewiness from the mild konjac and a satisfying crunch from the fresh cucumber. The harmony between the smooth yet chewy konjac and crisp cucumber will whet your appetite. With simple seasonings that highlight the ingredients’ natural flavors, anyone can easily follow this recipe. Whether you’re on a diet or want a light meal, this recipe will help you achieve both health and taste!
Main Ingredients- 2 fresh cucumbers
- 1/2 konjac jelly block (flour konjac or jelly konjac)
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt (for salting cucumbers)
Stir-fry Seasoning- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp fragrant onion oil
- 1 Tbsp savory anchovy sauce
- 1 tsp mild red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (black or white)
- 1 Tbsp flavorful sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp fragrant onion oil
- 1 Tbsp savory anchovy sauce
- 1 tsp mild red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (black or white)
- 1 Tbsp flavorful sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
I spotted some konjac at the supermarket without even realizing it, and couldn’t pass it up! Today, I’m planning to make a delicious stir-fry using this konjac and fresh cucumbers. Let’s get ready to make a healthy and tasty meal!
Step 2
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. When I cut them, I noticed quite a few seeds inside. Cucumber seeds can be mushy and detract from the crisp texture, so I used a spoon to gently scoop them out from the center. This step helps to enhance the cucumber’s crunchiness.
Step 3
After removing the seeds, cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice them diagonally about 0.5 cm thick. Cutting them into uniform, bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly.
Step 4
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse salt over the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes to salt. Salting draws out moisture, making the cucumbers crisper and preventing them from releasing too much water when stir-fried.
Step 5
While the cucumbers are salting, prepare the konjac. Cut the konjac into bite-sized pieces, about 1 cm thick and shaped like half-moons or squares. Cutting them into similar sizes helps to achieve a consistent texture.
Step 6
You can stir-fry the konjac as is, but for an even better texture, blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. After blanching, rinse the konjac under cold water to cool it down, then drain it thoroughly in a colander. This process removes any unpleasant odor from the konjac and makes it chewier.
Step 7
Rinse the well-salted cucumbers lightly under running water to remove excess salt, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible with your hands. Removing the cucumber’s moisture is crucial for maintaining its crispness during stir-frying.
Step 8
Heat 1 tablespoon of fragrant onion oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced cucumbers and stir-fry until they turn translucent. Once the cucumber starts to look clear, add the prepared konjac and continue to stir-fry. Next, add the minced garlic, anchovy sauce, and red pepper flakes, stirring until everything is well combined. Be careful not to burn the ingredients.
Step 9
Finally, add the chopped green onion, nutty sesame seeds, and flavorful sesame oil. Stir-fry quickly for a final toss. Your delicious Cucumber Konjac Stir-fry is ready! I used minimal seasoning to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Step 10
Arrange the finished Cucumber Konjac Stir-fry attractively on a plate. Sprinkle with a few extra sesame seeds if desired for a more appealing presentation. Enjoy this quick, low-calorie delicacy right away!
Step 11
The cool crispness of the cucumber and the smooth yet chewy texture of the konjac are truly delightful. You might be surprised at how delicious it is!
Step 12
The seasoning is kept simple and minimal to bring out the fresh, natural taste of the cucumber and konjac. Experience the joy of making delicious food with healthy ingredients.
Step 13
The crunchy bite of the cucumber adds pleasure with every chew, while the tender blanched konjac provides a chewy texture. The harmonious combination of these textures is the key highlight of this dish!
