**Cucumber Stir-Fry: A Refreshing and Crunchy Side Dish**
In the realm of stir-fried vegetables, cucumber often takes a backseat to more popular choices like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. However, this humble ingredient deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire for its unique flavor and refreshing crunch. Our collection of cucumber stir-fry recipes offers a variety of options to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. From classic Chinese-style preparations to creative fusion dishes, these recipes will elevate your next stir-fry to a new level of deliciousness.
**Explore a World of Cucumber Stir-Fry Delights**
1. **Classic Cucumber Stir-Fry:** Experience the simplicity and elegance of this traditional Chinese dish. Thinly sliced cucumbers are stir-fried with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, resulting in a flavorful and vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
2. **Szechuan Cucumber Stir-Fry:** Add a spicy kick to your stir-fry with this Szechuan-inspired recipe. Cucumbers are tossed in a fiery sauce made with chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and aromatic spices, creating a dish that is both bold and addictive.
3. **Cucumber and Egg Stir-Fry:** This quick and easy recipe is a great option for a light and protein-packed meal. Cucumbers are stir-fried with eggs, scallions, and a touch of soy sauce, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be served as a main course or side dish.
4. **Thai Cucumber Stir-Fry:** Bring the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your kitchen with this aromatic stir-fry. Cucumbers are stir-fried with a medley of vegetables, including bell peppers, carrots, and onions, in a fragrant sauce made with lemongrass, galangal, and coconut milk.
5. **Cucumber and Tofu Stir-Fry:** This vegan stir-fry is a delicious and healthy option for those following a plant-based diet. Cucumbers are stir-fried with tofu, broccoli, and a flavorful sauce made with tamari, ginger, and garlic.
6. **Cucumber and Shrimp Stir-Fry:** Seafood lovers will delight in this combination of crispy cucumbers and tender shrimp. Cucumbers are stir-fried with shrimp, snow peas, and a light sauce made with oyster sauce and sesame oil, resulting in a dish that is both elegant and satisfying.
7. **Cucumber and Chicken Stir-Fry:** This classic stir-fry is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Cucumbers are stir-fried with chicken, bell peppers, and a simple sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
8. **Cucumber and Beef Stir-Fry:** For a heartier stir-fry, try this recipe that combines cucumbers with thinly sliced beef. The cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the savory beef, while the addition of oyster sauce and Chinese five-spice powder creates a rich and flavorful dish.
CUCUMBER STIR FRY
Make and share this Cucumber Stir Fry recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Aroostook
Categories Chicken
Time 18m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place a wok or heavy pan over high heat.
- When wok is hot, add 1 tablespoon of the oil.
- When oil is hot, add cucumbers and 1 tablespoon of the ginger and a couple of splashes of soy sauce.
- Stirfry until cucumbers are tender-crisp to the bite (about 3 minutes).
- Pour onto a platter and keep warm.
- Pour remaining 2 tablespoons oil into wok.
- When oil is hot, add garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon ginger, onions, and shrimp/chicken/pork; Stirfry until all are cooked through (about 3 minutes).
- Add a couple of slashes of soy sauce during the last minute of cooking.
- Serve over hot rice.
PORK AND CUCUMBER STIR-FRY
Steps:
- Using a sharp knife, cut the pork into thin slices. Whisk 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce, the cornstarch, salt and white pepper together in a medium bowl. Add the pork and mix well.
- Cut the cucumbers crosswise in three pieces. Using the flat side of a large, heavy knife, lightly crush the cucumber pieces, then tear them into chunks; discard any loose seeds.
- Heat the canola oil in a very large cast-iron skillet or wok over high heat until nearly smoking. Add the pork and spread it in an even layer. Cook, undisturbed, until well browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry until very fragrant and the pork is nearly cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add the cucumbers and stir-fry until the cucumbers are hot, about 3 minutes longer. Stir in the scallions and the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce; season with salt and white pepper to taste. Serve right away with rice and sambal oelek.
Tips for Making the Best Cucumber Stir-Fry
- Choose the right cucumbers. Use fresh, firm cucumbers that are not too ripe. Avoid cucumbers that are yellow or have blemishes.
- Slice the cucumbers thinly. This will help them cook evenly and quickly.
- Use a hot pan. This will help to create a nice sear on the cucumbers and prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the cucumbers in batches if necessary, to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Season the cucumbers well. Use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger, to taste.
- Serve immediately. Cucumber stir-fry is best served hot, so be sure to make it just before you're ready to eat.
Conclusion
Cucumber stir-fry is a healthy and delicious dish that is easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give cucumber stir-fry a try. You won't be disappointed!
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