Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about cucumbers! This mind-blowing Chinese stir-fry recipe transforms the humble cucumber from a bland salad ingredient into a sizzling, flavor-packed sensation that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Imagine crisp cucumber slices dancing with delicate bean threads and earthy wood ear mushrooms in a quick, aromatic stir-fry that takes just 20 minutes to prepare – it's a culinary magic trick you won't want to miss!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 50g bean threads, soaked
- 50g wood ear mushrooms, soaked
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by thoroughly washing cucumbers, wood ear mushrooms, and garlic. Pat dry all ingredients with clean kitchen towel.
- Soak bean threads in warm water for 10 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and cut into shorter lengths of approximately 3-4 inches.
- Slice wood ear mushrooms into thin, bite-sized strips after removing any tough stems.
- Cut cucumbers diagonally into thin, oval-shaped slices about 1/4 inch thick to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add sesame oil and allow it to become shimmering hot.
- Add minced garlic and stir quickly for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add wood ear mushrooms and bean threads to the wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to become translucent.
- Introduce cucumber slices and continue stir-frying for an additional 2-3 minutes, maintaining high heat.
- Pour soy sauce over the mixture, tossing ingredients to ensure even coating and seasoning.
- Remove from heat immediately when cucumbers are slightly softened but still crisp. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with optional chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips
- Slice cucumbers diagonally and thinly to ensure quick, even cooking and an elegant presentation.
- Use high heat and work quickly to maintain the cucumbers' crisp texture – overcooking will turn them mushy.
- Thoroughly drain bean threads and wood ear mushrooms before cooking to prevent excess water in your stir-fry.
- Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as stir-frying happens very fast.
- Use a wok if possible for the best heat distribution and authentic stir-fry results.
- Add soy sauce at the end of cooking to prevent burning and maintain the bright flavors of your ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 101kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
