Stir-Fried ‘Nogak’ with Clams and Onions
A Delicious and Healthy Recipe for Stir-Fried ‘Nogak’ (Mature Cucumber) – An Anti-Cancer Recipe!
Experience the delightful texture of ‘nogak’, which is both crisp and tender with every bite. This dish, enhanced with savory clam meat and sweet onions, is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy! Discover a unique way to enjoy mature cucumbers.
Main Ingredients- 1 ‘Nogak’ (mature cucumber)
- 100g Clam meat
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 Onion
- 1/4 Tbsp Salt (for seasoning)
- 1 tsp Perilla oil (deulgireum)
- 100ml Water (for stir-frying)
Clam Preparation- 1 tsp Salt
- 400ml Water (for rinsing clams)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 400ml Water (for rinsing clams)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the ‘nogak’ under running water and then peeling its skin. Slice the ‘nogak’ in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to carefully scoop out and discard the seeds from the center. Finally, slice the ‘nogak’ into thin pieces, about 0.2 to 0.3 cm thick. Slicing it thinly will ensure a tender and pleasant texture once cooked.
Step 2
Thinly slice the onion into matchsticks, similar in thickness to the ‘nogak’. Mince the garlic cloves finely; pressing them with the side of a knife before mincing can help release more flavor and make them easier to incorporate evenly.
Step 3
In a bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 400ml of water to create a saltwater solution. Add the clam meat to this solution and gently swirl to rinse off any impurities. Drain the rinsed clam meat thoroughly in a colander. This step helps to remove excess water, preventing the stir-fry from becoming too watery.
Step 4
Heat a pot or a deep pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of perilla oil. Once the pan is preheated, add the prepared ‘nogak’, sliced onions, and drained clam meat. Pour in 100ml of water, add the minced garlic and 1/4 tablespoon of salt. Cover the pot with a lid and stir-fry over medium heat for approximately 8 to 8 minutes and 30 seconds, or until the ‘nogak’ becomes translucent and tender.
Step 5
After about 8 minutes, remove the lid and taste the dish. If it needs more seasoning, add a tiny pinch of salt to adjust the flavor to your preference. Be careful not to add too much salt at once; it’s best to add gradually and taste as you go.
Step 6
This ‘nogak’ stir-fry is delicious served immediately while warm. However, for an even more refreshing taste and enhanced crispness, allow it to cool down slightly before serving. Chilling it in the refrigerator makes it a fantastic side dish or even a light salad.