Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumber Delight: July’s Seasonal Side Dish
Make Baek Jong-won’s Crispy Stir-Fried Cucumber (Oi Namul Bokkeum) This July – Perfect for Lunch Boxes and Side Dishes!
Let’s make the most delicious stir-fried cucumber with a fantastic crunchy texture! This is a must-try summer side dish.
Ingredients- 2 Cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp Minced Garlic
- A pinch of Sugar
- 1/4 Carrot
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 1 handful Green Onions (chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
We’re making a delightful stir-fried cucumber dish, bursting with fresh summer flavor and an incredibly satisfying crunch! Let’s get started on this simple yet incredibly tasty recipe.
Step 2
Thoroughly wash the 2 cucumbers and slice them into rounds, about 0.3cm thick. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl, add 1-2 tablespoons of coarse salt, and let them sit to salt for 10-15 minutes. This crucial step helps the cucumbers retain their crispiness and prevents them from becoming soggy. After salting, rinse the cucumbers under running water to remove excess salt. Then, gently squeeze out as much water as possible by hand. Ensuring most of the water is removed is key to achieving a perfect stir-fry.
Step 3
Now, heat a frying pan over medium heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry until fragrant to create fragrant green onion oil. Once the aromatic oil is ready, add the squeezed cucumbers to the pan. Increase the heat to high and stir-fry quickly. As the cucumbers begin to soften slightly, add the minced garlic (1/2 tsp), a pinch of sugar, and toasted sesame seeds (1 tsp). Stir everything together quickly. Since the cucumbers were salted, they should already have a good amount of flavor, so additional seasoning might not be necessary. However, if you prefer, a tiny pinch of salt or a drop of soup soy sauce can be added.
Step 4
And there you have it! A wonderfully crunchy stir-fried cucumber dish that’s sure to become a favorite side dish. Serve it over warm rice, or pack it into lunch boxes for a refreshing and healthy addition. The crisp texture and cool flavor of the cucumber are perfectly preserved, making it an ideal summer treat!
