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Have you ever tried a dish that’s crunchy, spicy, and packed with flavor? Meet Spicy Garlic Cucumber Stir-Fry! It’s super easy to make and tastes amazing. Fresh cucumbers stay nice and crisp, while garlic and a bold, spicy sauce bring all the flavor. A mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes gives it the perfect balance—savory, tangy, and just the right amount of heat!
Crispy, Bold & Packed with Flavor!
You can enjoy this as a quick snack, a light appetizer, or a side dish. It’s perfect with steamed rice, noodles, or grilled meats. Whether you love spicy food or just want to try something new, this dish is a total winner!
Would you give it a try?
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Spicy Garlic Cucumber Stir-Fry!
Quick & Easy – Ready in Just 15 Minutes!
Short on time? No worries! This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish in no time!
Crispy & Flavorful – The Perfect Balance of Garlic, Soy Sauce, and Spice!
The star of this dish is the crunchy cucumbers that soak up all the bold flavors while staying crisp. The garlic adds a rich aroma, the soy sauce brings deep umami, and the chili flakes add just the right kick of heat. Every bite is a mix of savory, tangy, and spicy—a flavor explosion that will keep you coming back for more!
Healthy & Light – A Guilt-Free, Refreshing Dish!
Looking for something tasty that won’t weigh you down? This stir-fry is naturally low in calories, making it a great option for a light meal or snack. Cucumbers are packed with hydration and nutrients, while garlic is known for its health benefits. You get big flavors without the extra calories—a win-win!
Versatile – Enjoy It as a Side, Appetizer, or Even a Main Dish!
This dish is super flexible! Serve it as a light appetizer before a meal, pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a more filling dish, or enjoy it on its own as a quick and satisfying snack. It also pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu, making it a great addition to any meal.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays Fresh in the Fridge for Up to 2 Days!
Want to make ahead? No problem! This dish holds up really well in the fridge for up to two days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more over time. Just store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to eat, enjoy it cold for a refreshing crunch or give it a quick stir-fry for a warm, flavorful bite.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a spicy side dish, or a light and healthy snack, this Spicy Garlic Cucumber Stir-Fry is sure to hit the spot! Are you ready to give it a try? 🔥🥒🍽
Spicy Garlic Cucumber Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
Main Ingredients:
2 cucumbers (split into 4 parts, seeds removed, sliced diagonally)
1 teaspoon salt – To draw out excess water from the cucumbers.
Aromatics:
2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced) – For a fragrant, bold garlic kick.
1 piece ginger (thinly sliced) – Adds warmth and depth to the dish.
2 red chilies (thinly sliced) – For a spicy kick (adjust to taste).
Sauce Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vinegar – Adds a tangy brightness.
2 tablespoons soy sauce – Provides a rich umami flavor.
1 tablespoon red chili flakes – Gives the dish its signature heat.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances the bold flavors.
1 teaspoon sugar – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
50ml water – Helps blend and coat the cucumbers evenly.
For Cooking:
1 tablespoon cooking oil – To sauté the aromatics.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
✅ Trim off the ends of the cucumbers and discard.
✅ Split each cucumber into four wedges and remove the seeds.
✅ Slice diagonally into bite-sized pieces.
✅ Place the cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and mix well.
✅ Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Why Salt the Cucumbers? This helps remove excess water, making them crispier when stir-fried!
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics & Sauce
✅ While the cucumbers rest, thinly slice the garlic, ginger, and red chilies.
✅ In a small bowl, mix together:
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp red chili flakes
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
50ml water
✅ Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Pro Tip: Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer chili flakes and red chilies! 🌶🔥
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
✅ Drain the cucumbers to remove excess liquid.
✅ Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat.
✅ Add the sliced garlic, ginger, and red chilies.
✅ Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant.
Don’t Burn the Garlic! Keep stirring to avoid bitterness.
Step 4: Add the Sauce & Cucumbers
✅ Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet.
✅ Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
✅ Add the drained cucumbers and stir well to coat them evenly.
✅ Cook for another 1-2 minutes, making sure the cucumbers stay crunchy.
Don’t Overcook! The cucumbers should absorb the sauce but remain crisp.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
✅ Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
✅ Serve warm or at room temperature.
✅ Enjoy with steamed rice, grilled meats, or on its own!
Want Extra Flavor? Drizzle with sesame oil or sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving! 🌿
Perfect Pair With 🍚🍖
🍚 Steamed Jasmine Rice Or Jollof rice – A perfect match to soak up the flavorful sauce.
🍜 Garlic Noodles – Pair with stir-fried noodles for an easy meal.
🥩 Grilled Meat – Complements steak, pork, or BBQ chicken beautifully.
🥢 Spicy Korean BBQ or Stir-Fried Tofu – A delicious side dish addition.
Essential Cooking Tools 🔗
Wok or Skillet – Ideal for stir-frying.
A must-have for stir-frying! It distributes heat evenly, helping you get that perfect balance of crispiness and flavor.
Sharp Chef’s Knife – Makes slicing cucumbers easy.
Slicing cucumbers (or any veggies) is so much easier with a good, sharp knife. No more struggling with dull blades!
Mixing Bowls – Great for prepping ingredients.
Perfect for prepping ingredients, mixing sauces, or marinating before you start cooking.
Silicone Spatula – Helps stir-fry ingredients evenly.
Helps stir-fry ingredients evenly without scratching your pan, and it’s heat-resistant, so no melting!
Nutritional Value (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 75 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Sugar: 3g
Want it healthier? Reduce the soy sauce and replace sugar with honey or coconut sugar.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Cucumbers
Want to make your Spicy Garlic Cucumber Stir-Fry taste even better? Follow these simple tips to get the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and flavor!
Use Fresh Cucumbers – Always choose firm, crisp cucumbers for the best texture. Soft or overripe cucumbers can turn mushy when cooked. English or Persian cucumbers work great for this dish!
Don’t Overcook! – Stir-fry the cucumbers just long enough to coat them in the sauce while keeping them fresh and crunchy. Cooking for too long will make them soft and watery.
Adjust the Spice Level – Love it extra spicy? Add more chili flakes or red chilies! Prefer a milder taste? Reduce the amount to keep it flavorful but not too hot. Make it just right for your taste buds!
Balance the Flavors – If you want a touch of sweetness and nuttiness, try adding a drizzle of honey or sesame oil. This will enhance the flavors and give it a deeper, richer taste.
Serve Immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the cucumbers are still crisp. If left sitting too long, they will start to soften and lose that satisfying crunch.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a perfectly crispy, flavorful stir-fry every time! Ready to give it a try?
Spicy Asian-Style Cucumber Stir-Fry – Fresh, Crunchy & Flavorful! 🥒🔥
Equipment
- Knife & cutting board
- Mixing bowls (for cucumbers & sauce)
- Large skillet or wok
- Cooking spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers (sliced thinly and diagonally)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 piece fresh ginger (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
- 2 red chilies (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 50ml water
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Trim off both ends of the cucumbers and cut them into four lengthwise wedges.
- Use a spoon or knife to remove the seeds, creating long fillets.
- Slice the seedless cucumber wedges diagonally into thin pieces.
- Transfer the cucumber slices into a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt.
- Mix well and let sit for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics & Sauce
- While the cucumbers are resting, thinly slice the ginger, garlic, and red chilies.
- In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, soy sauce, red chili flakes, black pepper, sugar, and water. Stir well and set aside.
- Drain the excess cucumber liquid before cooking.
Step 3: Sauté & Assemble the Dish
- Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced garlic, ginger, and red chilies, and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the prepared sauce and let it cook until slightly reduced (about 1 minute).
- Add the drained cucumbers to the pan and toss everything together.
- Stir-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring the cucumbers stay crisp while absorbing the flavors.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful Spicy Cucumber Stir-Fry!
Notes
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Garlic Cucumber Stir-Fry is a quick, bold, and flavor-packed dish that brings life to any meal! With its crunchy texture, savory garlic, and spicy chili kick, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves fast and fresh cooking.
🥢 Make it today & enjoy an authentic Asian-inspired side dish! 🥒🔥
Spicy Garlic Cucumber Stir-Fry Quick Q’s & A’s!
Can I use any type of cucumber for this recipe?
Yes! However, English or Persian cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and stay crisp longer. If using regular cucumbers, remove the seeds for the best texture.
Do I have to salt the cucumbers before cooking?
Salting helps draw out excess moisture, making the cucumbers crispier when stir-fried. If you skip this step, the dish may turn out slightly watery.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a moderate level of spice from the red chilies and chili flakes. You can adjust the heat level by adding or reducing the amount of chili flakes and fresh chilies.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This stir-fry can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For the best texture, serve it cold or give it a quick stir-fry before eating.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas make great additions while keeping the dish vibrant and crunchy.
What can I serve with Spicy Garlic Cucumber Stir-Fry?
It pairs well with:
Steamed rice – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Grilled meats – Complements BBQ chicken, steak, or pork.
Garlic noodles – A tasty noodle stir-fry makes it a complete meal.
How can I make this dish milder?
If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce or omit the red chili flakes and fresh chilies. You can also balance the heat by adding a teaspoon of honey or sesame oil.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes! Rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar all work well. Each type gives a slightly different tangy taste.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Garlic burns quickly, so sauté it over medium heat and stir constantly. If needed, add a little extra oil to keep it from sticking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Standard soy sauce contains gluten, so check labels if needed.
Tried This Recipe? Let Us Know!
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Enjoy your crunchy, spicy, and delicious cucumber stir-fry! 🥒🔥✨