Beat the summer heat with this refreshing and vibrant Cucumber & Chicken Stir-Fry! This light yet satisfying dish is packed with fresh flavors and crunchy textures, making it the perfect weeknight meal or a delightful addition to your summer BBQ spread. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty sauce creates a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more. Forget heavy, greasy stir-fries; this recipe is all about clean eating and maximum flavor.
We've carefully crafted this recipe to be both quick and easy, perfect for even the busiest of schedules. From prepping the ingredients to serving up this culinary masterpiece, you'll find the entire process surprisingly straightforward. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- knife
- peeler
- frying pan
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: 2 large (over 100g each)
- Chicken thighs (for deep-frying): 200g (8-10 pieces)
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Red chili pepper: null
- Salt: null
- Coarsely ground black pepper: null
- Sesame oil: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Cut off both ends of the cucumbers. Peel the skin.
- Cut each cucumber into four lengthwise pieces.
- Scrape off the seeds from the cucumber pieces. Cut the flesh, skin, and seeds into 5cm pieces separately.
- Roughly chop the garlic clove, keeping the skin on initially to help with pounding.
- Cut the chicken thighs in half (or into thirds if large).
Step 2. Cook the Chicken and Crisp It
- Heat sesame oil in a pan. Add chicken skin-side down, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cook until crispy.
- Flip the chicken and cook the other side. Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan.
Step 3. Stir-fry the Cucumbers and Garlic
- Add the cucumber pieces (flesh, skin, and seeds separately if desired), garlic, and chili pepper (if using) to the chicken oil and stir-fry for about 1.5 minutes.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Combine the chicken and cucumbers. Season with salt and coarsely ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Separating the cucumber flesh, skin, and seeds before cooking enhances the flavor and texture of each part.
- Cooking the chicken skin-side down first helps render the fat and create crispy skin.
- Using the chicken oil to stir-fry the cucumbers adds extra flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra flavor and color. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
2. What kind of sauce is best for this stir-fry?
A simple soy sauce based sauce works perfectly, but you can also experiment with oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or a sweet chili sauce for a different taste profile.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken and vegetables in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Combine and cook just before serving for optimal crispness.
This Crispy Cucumber & Chicken Stir-Fry is a testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients. Its bright flavors and satisfying crunch make it a perfect summer meal, guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the delightful taste of summer in every bite!