fried shrimp with cucumber

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

Stir-fried cucumber with shrimp is a quick, healthy, and delicious dish that balances crispiness and tenderness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfecting it.

Ingredients:

- 200g fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced into half-moons

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp soy sauce

- ½ tsp sesame oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: A pinch of sugar for balance, or red chili flakes for heat.

Instructions:

1. Prep the ingredients: Marinate shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper for 10 minutes. Pat dry to ensure a sear.

2. Stir-fry shrimp: Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes until pink. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the cucumber: In the same wok, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add cucumber slices, stir-frying for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

4. Combine and season: Return shrimp to the wok. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and optional sugar or chili flakes. Toss everything together for 1 minute.

5. Serve: Transfer to a plate and enjoy hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips: For extra flavor, blanch cucumber slices in boiling water for 30 seconds before stir-frying to reduce bitterness. Adjust seasoning based on your preference—this dish is versatile and pairs well with ginger or scallions for a fresh twist. Enjoy this light yet satisfying meal in under 15 minutes!