Fried Cucumbers with Garlic and Chili in Olive Oil

Cooking method

1. Step 1:

   

   Gather the ingredients from the list and follow along to see how to make fried cucumbers — the dish might strike some as unusual, but it's worth a try!

2. Step 2:

   

   Wash the cucumbers, cut them into matchsticks, and toss with salt.

3. Step 3:

   

   Put them in a colander to drain for 20 minutes. Squeeze out the excess moisture and pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.

4. Step 4:

   

   Peel and wash the garlic, then slice it thin.

5. Step 5:

   

   Heat the olive or vegetable oil in a skillet and add the thinly sliced garlic and a pinch of chili. Fry for about 30 seconds.

6. Step 6:

   

   Dredge the cucumbers in cornstarch. If you like, you can use a different starch, or skip this step entirely.

7. Step 7:

   

   Add them to the skillet with the garlic and fry on the first side until golden.

8. Step 8:

   

   Flip and fry the other side until it's crisp too.

9. Step 9:

   

   Add the soy sauce and sesame seeds to the cucumbers and fry for another 4 to 5 minutes.

10. Step 10:

    

    Turn the finished cucumbers out onto a platter.

11. Step 11:

    

    Garnish them with green onion or any other fresh herbs.

12. Step 12:

    

    Serve as a standalone hot appetizer, or as a low-calorie side for meat, fish, poultry, mushrooms, and more. Pairs with any drink.

13. Step 13:

    

    Enjoy!