Introduction
Cucumbers are a refreshing and versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in various ways. This recipe enhances the natural crispness and freshness of cucumbers by combining them with bold flavors like soy sauce, ginger, and red chilies. The result is a delicious, crunchy, and slightly spicy cucumber dish that is perfect as a side dish or a snack.
Ingredients
To make this delightful cucumber dish, you will need:
- 2 cucumbers
- 2 red chilies, finely sliced
- 50 ml (3 1/3 tablespoons) water
- 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 piece ginger, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Nutrition Information
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. The nutritional information per serving is as follows:
- Calories: 30
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
First, trim the cucumbers and divide them into four parts. Remove the internal part with the seeds, as this part tends to be watery and less crunchy. Slice the external part (the one in contact with the peel) very thinly and diagonally into slices. This method helps to keep the cucumbers fresh and crisp.
2. Salt the Cucumbers
Place the cucumber slices in a bowl, add the salt, and mix well. Leave the cucumbers to rest for 15 minutes. This step helps the cucumbers lose excess liquid, which enhances their crunchiness and prevents them from becoming soggy.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, sugar, and water. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce.
4. Cook the Aromatics
Lightly oil a non-stick pan and add the finely sliced red chilies, garlic cloves, and ginger. Cook over medium heat until fragrant. This step releases the flavors of the aromatics, adding depth to the dish.
5. Combine and Thicken the Sauce
Add the prepared sauce to the pan with the aromatics. Cook the mixture until it thickens slightly, which should take a few minutes. This thickened sauce will cling to the cucumber slices, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
6. Mix with Cucumbers
After the cucumbers have rested, drain any excess liquid. Add the drained cucumbers to the pan with the thickened sauce. Mix everything evenly for a few minutes, ensuring the cucumbers are well-coated with the sauce and the flavors are distributed evenly.
7. Serve
Turn off the heat and transfer the cucumbers to a serving bowl. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crunchy texture and the bold flavors of the dish.
Tips for the Best Crunchy Cucumbers
- Use fresh cucumbers: Choose firm and unblemished cucumbers for the best results.
- Thin slicing: Slicing the cucumbers thinly and diagonally helps maintain their crunchiness.
- Resting with salt: Allowing the cucumbers to rest with salt draws out excess moisture, enhancing their texture.
Storing and Serving
This cucumber dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may soften slightly, but they will still be flavorful.
Serve this dish as a refreshing side with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of an appetizer platter. It also pairs well with rice or noodles for a light, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Our recipe for Best Way to Eat Cucumber: Keep It Fresh and Crunchy! is a fantastic way to enjoy the crisp and refreshing qualities of cucumbers while adding bold flavors that enhance their natural taste. This dish is simple to prepare and makes a great addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of freshness, crunch, and flavor. Enjoy the delightful combination of cucumbers with soy sauce, ginger, and chilies, and savor the freshness in every bite!