Spicy Szechuan Cucumber Delight
Experience the tantalizing crunch of these Spicy Szechuan Cucumber Slices, a refreshing and fiery appetizer that will awaken your taste buds. Infused with the bold flavors of garlic, chili, and sesame, these cucumbers are not just a delightful addition to any meal but also serve as an incredible side dish to elevate your steamed asparagus. Easy to prepare yet requires some patience, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or simply to enjoy during a quiet evening at home. Prepare ahead for maximum flavor – your guests won't be able to resist these succulent, spicy bites!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
3 large (unpeeled, cut in half lengthwise and seeds removed, sliced)
Salt
4 1/2 teaspoons (for sprinkling on cucumbers)
Garlic
3-4 cloves (sliced)
Dried hot red chili peppers
4 (chopped)
Sesame oil
1/3 cup (for drizzling)
Rice vinegar or white vinegar
1/2 cup (for dressing)
Sugar
1/3 cup (to balance acidity)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers under cold water. Cut each cucumber in half lengthwise and remove the seeds using a spoon. Slice the cucumber halves into 1/2 inch thick slices and place them in a medium bowl.
2
Sprinkle the salt evenly over the cucumber slices and allow them to rest for 4 hours at room temperature. This process will help to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers.
3
After 4 hours, gently squeeze the cucumbers to extract additional liquid and rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and transfer the cucumbers to a serving dish. Add the sliced garlic and chopped chili peppers, mixing them in with the cucumbers.
4
In a small saucepan, heat the sesame oil over high heat until it begins to smoke. Carefully pour the hot sesame oil over the cucumber mixture, allowing it to infuse with flavor.
5
Next, in another small saucepan, bring the vinegar to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar until fully dissolved. Pour this vinegar-sugar mixture over the cucumbers and toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
6
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. For optimal flavor, let the cucumbers chill for up to 1 week. Serve cold and enjoy the spicy, refreshing crunch!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Szechuan Cucumber Delight?
Spicy Szechuan Cucumber Delight is a refreshing and fiery appetizer made with crunchy cucumber slices, garlic, chili, and sesame oil.
Is this cucumber recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it consists entirely of plant-based ingredients including vegetables, spices, oil, and vinegar.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 6 people.
What type of cucumbers should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 large cucumbers. While any variety works, English or Persian cucumbers are often preferred for their thin skin.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers before slicing?
No, the cucumbers should be left unpeeled to maintain their tantalizing crunch and texture.
Why do the cucumbers need to sit with salt for 4 hours?
Salting the cucumbers for 4 hours helps draw out excess moisture, which ensures they stay crunchy and don't water down the dressing.
Can I use white vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
Yes, the recipe allows for either rice vinegar or white vinegar depending on your preference or what you have available.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish features 4 chopped dried hot red chili peppers, providing a significant fiery kick that awakens the taste buds.
Can I adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar, though it is used to balance the acidity of the vinegar and the heat of the chilies.
How long should the cucumbers marinate in the refrigerator?
The cucumbers should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
How long can I store these cucumbers in the fridge?
For optimal flavor, you can keep the cucumbers chilled in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Is it necessary to remove the cucumber seeds?
Yes, cutting the cucumbers lengthwise and removing the seeds helps prevent the dish from becoming overly watery.
What is the purpose of heating the sesame oil until it smokes?
Pouring smoking hot oil over the cucumber mixture helps bloom the flavors of the garlic and chili peppers.
Can I serve this with other dishes?
Absolutely; it serves as an incredible side dish to elevate steamed asparagus or any Chinese-inspired meal.
How thick should I slice the cucumbers?
The cucumber halves should be cut into approximately 1/2 inch thick slices.
Should I rinse the cucumbers after salting them?
Yes, after 4 hours, you should squeeze the cucumbers and rinse them under cold water to remove the excess salt.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
Since this is a plant-based vegetable dish, it is naturally free of cholesterol.
Can I use fresh chili peppers instead of dried ones?
While the recipe specifies dried red chili peppers, you can use fresh ones, though the heat level and flavor profile may vary.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
This is considered an easy recipe, though it requires patience for the salting and marinating processes.
What is the best way to dissolve the sugar?
Bring the vinegar to a boil in a small saucepan, remove it from heat, and then stir in the sugar until it is fully dissolved.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients—cucumbers, salt, garlic, chilies, sesame oil, vinegar, and sugar—are naturally gluten-free.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You should use between 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, depending on your preference for garlic flavor.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish and is often used as an appetizer or a refreshing snack.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it ahead of time is recommended to allow the maximum flavor to develop during refrigeration.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
Spicy Szechuan Cucumber Delight should be served cold for the best refreshing crunch.
What happens if I don't squeeze the cucumbers after salting?
If you don't squeeze out the liquid, the cucumbers may release water later, making the sauce thin and the cucumbers less crunchy.
Can I substitute sesame oil with olive oil?
Sesame oil provides the distinct nutty flavor essential to Szechuan cuisine; olive oil will significantly change the taste profile.
How much salt is used in the preparation?
The recipe uses 4 1/2 teaspoons of salt primarily for drawing out moisture from the cucumbers.
Is this recipe good for gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings or parties as a flavorful and unique appetizer that can be made in advance.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The primary flavor profile is a balance of spicy heat, savory garlic, nutty sesame, and a sweet-tangy vinegar finish.