Spicy Szechuan Pickled Cucumbers
These Spicy Szechuan Pickled Cucumbers are a refreshing and zesty dish, perfect for serving as a side or appetizer at any meal. The crispy cucumbers are marinated in a tangy blend of rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil, with a delightful kick from crushed red pepper flakes. This dish not only offers a crunchy texture but also a burst of flavor that is emblematic of Szechuan cuisine. Easy to prepare and even better after sitting, these cucumbers are a must-try for spice lovers!
6
Servings
20
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cucumbers
2 large (peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced)
rice vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
sesame oil
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh cilantro
to taste (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the cucumbers: peel, seed, and thinly slice the large cucumbers. Place the cucumber slices in a medium serving bowl and set aside.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and sesame oil until the sugar is dissolved and all the ingredients are well combined.
3
Pour the dressing evenly over the cucumber slices. Gently toss to ensure all the cucumber is coated with the flavorful dressing.
4
Cover the bowl and let the cucumbers marinate at room temperature for up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the cucumber time to absorb the dressing.
5
After marinating, drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers.
6
If desired, garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
3g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Szechuan Pickled Cucumbers?
They are a refreshing and zesty side dish or appetizer featuring crispy cucumbers marinated in a tangy blend of rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes, characteristic of Szechuan cuisine.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Is the Spicy Szechuan Pickled Cucumbers recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including rice vinegar and sesame oil, are naturally gluten-free.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are approximately 20 calories per serving.
What type of cucumbers should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 large cucumbers. While most varieties work, English or Persian cucumbers are often preferred for their texture.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling the cucumbers before seeding and slicing them.
Why do I need to seed the cucumbers?
Seeding the cucumbers helps maintain a crunchy texture and prevents the dressing from becoming too diluted by the water content found in the seeds.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Rice vinegar is specified for this recipe to provide the authentic mild acidity typical of Asian side dishes.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the vinegar and heat.
What provides the heat in this dish?
The spicy kick comes from 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can easily increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice tolerance.
What is the purpose of the sesame oil?
Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and a rich depth of flavor that complements the tangy vinegar.
How long should the cucumbers marinate?
The cucumbers should marinate at room temperature for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld.
Should I marinate them in the refrigerator?
The instructions suggest marinating at room temperature for up to 4 hours, but you can move them to the fridge if you prefer them chilled.
Do I serve the cucumbers with the liquid?
No, the instructions specify to drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers after the marinating process is finished.
What garnish is recommended?
Chopped fresh cilantro is recommended as an optional garnish for added color and a fresh flavor profile.
How much fat is in this dish?
There is 1g of fat per serving, which comes from the sesame oil.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains about 3g of carbohydrates.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt in the marinade.
Is there any protein in this recipe?
Yes, there is a small amount of protein, approximately 0.5g per serving.
What is the fiber content per serving?
Each serving provides approximately 0.7g of fiber.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, preparing it a few hours in advance is recommended as the flavor improves after the cucumbers have time to sit in the dressing.
How should I slice the cucumbers?
The cucumbers should be thinly sliced to ensure they absorb the dressing evenly and maintain a pleasant texture.
Can I substitute the sugar with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use honey, agave, or a sugar substitute, though the flavor may vary slightly from the traditional version.
What does the dressing consist of?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and sesame oil.
What is the primary texture of this dish?
The primary texture is crispy and crunchy, provided by the fresh cucumbers.
Is this a spicy dish?
Yes, it has a 'delightful kick' from the red pepper flakes, making it a favorite for spice lovers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients: cucumbers, rice vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, sesame oil, and optional cilantro.
What category of food does this fall into?
This dish is categorized as an Asian-style side dish, appetizer, or salad.