fried pork slices with cucumber

How to Make Stir-Fried Cucumber with Pork: A Complete Guide

Stir-fried cucumber with pork is a quick, delicious, and nutritious dish loved for its crisp-tender texture and savory flavor. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to perfecting it.

Ingredients: 200g pork loin (sliced thin), 2 medium cucumbers (sliced into half-moons), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp oyster sauce, ½ tsp sugar, 1 tbsp cooking oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Optional: a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

Steps:

1. Marinate the pork: In a bowl, mix pork slices with 1 tsp soy sauce, pepper, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Let it sit for 15 minutes to tenderize.

2. Prep the cucumber: Toss cucumber slices with a pinch of salt and set aside for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat dry.

3. Stir-fry: Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add marinated pork and stir-fry until browned (2-3 minutes). Remove and set aside.

4. Sauté aromatics: In the same wok, add garlic and chili flakes (if using) until fragrant (30 seconds).

5. Combine: Add cucumbers, stir-fry for 1 minute, then return pork to the wok. Pour in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Toss quickly for 1-2 minutes until coated.

6. Serve: Dish out hot, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.

Tips: For extra umami, add a dash of sesame oil before serving. Avoid overcooking cucumbers to keep them crisp. Enjoy this light yet flavorful dish with steamed rice!