Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious side dish that's perfect for any meal? Look no further! This sweet and sour cucumber recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. It’s the perfect addition to your summer BBQs, picnics, or even a simple weeknight dinner. The crunchy cucumbers, bathed in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, will become an instant family favorite. This recipe is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying, resulting in delicious dishes that impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. Using a mandoline slicer ensures consistent thinness, which helps them absorb the marinade better. If you don't have one, a sharp knife will do just fine. You can also peel the cucumbers if you prefer, but leaving the peel on adds extra texture and nutrients.
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Combine the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the white vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
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Marinate the Cucumbers: Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the marinade and gently toss to ensure all the slices are evenly coated.
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Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the cucumbers to absorb the flavors of the marinade beautifully, resulting in a more intense and delicious taste.
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Serve: Before serving, garnish with thinly sliced green onions. These sweet and sour cucumbers are a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or even as a light snack on its own.
Tips and Variations:
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For a crispier texture: After slicing the cucumbers, you can sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water before adding them to the marinade.
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Adjust the sweetness and sourness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a tablespoon or two more of sugar. For a more sour taste, add a tablespoon more of vinegar.
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Add more flavor: Experiment with other ingredients! A pinch of sesame seeds, a drizzle of honey, or even some finely chopped fresh cilantro can add extra depth of flavor.
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Make it a salad: Add other vegetables such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even some cooked edamame for a more substantial salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe yields about 4 servings. The nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 50-60
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams
- Fat: 2-3 grams
This sweet and sour cucumber recipe is a perfect example of healthy meals that are both simple and delicious. It's a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights or a refreshing addition to your next summer gathering. Enjoy this easy recipe and discover the joy of homemade cooking! This simple dish is sure to become one of your best recipes.