Sichuan-style sweet & sour cucumber

Dive into the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine with this sweet & sour cucumber recipe. Featuring vinegar, sugar, garlic, chili peppers, and a mix of vibrant ingredients, it's a refreshing and spicy side dish perfect for any meal. Ready in just minutes!

  • 14 Mar 2024
  • Cook time 0 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 9 Ingredients

Sichuan-style sweet & sour cucumber

Sichuan-style sweet & sour cucumber is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the crispness of cucumbers with a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light appetizer or a vibrant side dish that will enliven any meal.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp vinegar
30g
1 tbsp sugar
16g
2 garlic cloves
6g
2 red hot chili peppers
80g
1 tsp salt
5g
1 tsp black pepper
2g
2 cucumbers
800g
1/2 red onion
80g
2 tsp coriander leaves
6g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Peel the cucumbers and cut them into batons or thin slices, as per your preference. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Salt the Cucumbers:
- Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt over the cucumber pieces. Toss to coat evenly. Allow the cucumbers to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers.
3. Make the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp vinegar and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the minced garlic, thinly sliced red hot chili peppers, and 1 tsp black pepper to the vinegar-sugar mixture. Mix well.
4. Drain the Cucumbers:
- After the cucumbers have released their moisture, drain off the excess liquid. You can gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any additional water if necessary.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- In the large mixing bowl with the drained cucumbers, add the thinly sliced red onion and the vinegar mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure the cucumbers and onions are well coated with the marinade.
6. Chill the Salad:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a container with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
7. Serve:
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Garnish with roughly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
8. Enjoy:
- This Sichuan-style sweet & sour cucumber salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light appetizer. Enjoy the harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!

Tips:

- Use fresh and firm cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your preferred level of spiciness.

- Allow the cucumbers to marinate in the mixture for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

- Garnish with additional coriander leaves for an extra burst of freshness and color.

- For a more intense flavor, you can lightly smash the cucumbers before cutting them, which allows them to better absorb the marinade.

Enjoy your Sichuan-style sweet & sour cucumber as a refreshing side dish or a palate-cleansing appetizer. The delightful combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, along with the crisp texture of the cucumbers, makes this dish a standout addition to any meal.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size170 grams
Energy
Calories 44kcal2%
Protein
Protein 1.36g1%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 1.30g3%
Sugar 6g6%
Fat
Fat 0.25g0%
Saturated 0.07g0%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 16ug2%
Choline 11mg2%
Vitamin B1 0.05mg5%
Vitamin B2 0.06mg5%
Vitamin B3 0.33mg2%
Vitamin B6 0.15mg9%
Vitamin B9 16ug4%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 24mg27%
Vitamin E 0.16mg1%
Vitamin K 27ug23%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 30mg2%
Copper, Cu 0.09mg0%
Iron, Fe 0.62mg6%
Magnesium, Mg 24mg6%
Phosphorus, P 45mg4%
Potassium, K 280mg8%
Selenium, Se 0.68ug1%
Sodium, Na 330mg22%
Zinc, Zn 0.35mg3%
Water
Water 160g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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