Crispy Sautéed Cucumber: A Refreshing Summer Side Dish, Inspired by Baek Jong-won’s Recipe
A flavorful stir-fry highlighting the fresh, crisp texture of cucumbers, perfect for a light summer meal in July.
Beat the summer heat with this delightful sautéed cucumber dish! Its satisfyingly crisp and crunchy texture makes it a fantastic side dish, especially for packed lunches.
Ingredients- 2 Cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 pinch Sugar
- 1/4 Carrot
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 handful Green Onions (Scallions)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Hello everyone! Today, we’re going to make a delicious and crispy sautéed cucumber dish, a true delight for the summer season. Its fresh flavor and satisfying crunch make it an excellent side dish for both everyday meals and packed lunches.
Step 2
First, let’s prepare the cucumbers. Wash them thoroughly. It’s a good idea to gently scrub the cucumber skins with coarse salt to clean them well, then rinse under running water. Slice them diagonally or into half-moons to about 0.5 cm thickness. Slicing them too thin might reduce their crispiness.
Step 3
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt over them. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to lightly salt. This process draws out excess moisture, ensuring a wonderfully crisp texture. After salting, rinse them quickly under cold water to remove the salt, and gently press them with your hands to squeeze out as much water as possible.
Step 4
Now, let’s get ready to stir-fry. Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add about 1 to 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry until fragrant, creating a flavorful green onion oil. Be careful not to burn them. Once the green onion oil is ready, add the drained cucumbers and stir-fry quickly over high heat. Stir-frying for too long can release water, so be mindful of the cooking time.
Step 5
As the cucumbers begin to turn slightly translucent, add the thinly julienned carrots and continue to stir-fry together. The carrots will add a beautiful color as they cook. Finally, add the 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of sugar. Stir everything together quickly to combine. Since the cucumbers were lightly salted, no additional seasoning is usually needed. However, if you find it needs a touch more salt, you can add a tiny pinch.
Step 6
And there you have it – a delicious and crispy sautéed cucumber dish is ready! The refreshing aroma and cool, crisp taste of the cucumber are simply perfect. Served over a bowl of freshly steamed rice, it’s an absolute delight. Enjoy your meal with this wonderful sautéed cucumber!
