Sautéed Korean Cucumber Side Dish
User Reviews
5
Sautéed Korean Cucumber Side Dish
Description
Starting with thinly sliced cucumbers salted and left to rest allows excess water to be removed, preventing sogginess. After squeezing out the moisture, the cucumbers are quickly stir-fried over medium-high heat in neutral oil to maintain their crunchy texture. Toasted sesame seeds and fragrant toasted sesame oil are added near the end for flavor and aroma. The dish can be served warm, but chilling enhances the crisp texture.
This side dish has a simple savory flavor with a nutty finish and fresh cucumber bite. It complements many Korean meals well, pairing especially with rice and seasoned mains. Its short stir-frying preserves the vegetable's natural freshness and provides a unique texture contrast often appreciated in Korean cuisine.
Serving suggestions include alongside bibimbap, grilled meats, or as part of a banchan spread. Refrigerating for 1 to 2 hours before serving enhances its refreshing qualities.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumber or English cucumber, (300 g / 0.7 pounds, Lebanese variety
- 1 tsp salt fine sea salt
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds toasted
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Some neutral cooking oil I used rice bran oil, generic cooking oil
Instructions
- Rinse the cucumber well. (You can peel the skin off if you like.) Thinly slice the cucumber and put them into a medium sized mixing bowl.
- Add the salt and mix them evenly. Leave it for 20 minutes on the kitchen bench.
- Squeeze the water out of the cucumber. (Do this in small batches.) Set it aside.
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add cooking oil and spread it evenly. Add the cucumber and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Then, add sesame seeds and sesame oil, stirring evenly for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and let it cool on the counter for 15 to 30 minutes. For the best crunch, transfer it to the fridge and chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving. While it can be served warm, I personally recommend serving it cold to enhance its crisp texture.
- Serve with a bowl of rice and other delicious Korean side dishes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3to 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 73 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 73kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Sodium | 779mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 272mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 145IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 6.4mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 43mg | 4% |
| Iron | 0.7mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
