Szechuan Spicy Cucumber

Szechuan Spicy Cucumber is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that combines crunchy cucumbers with a bold, spicy sauce, perfect for balancing rich main courses. This dish is not only flavorful but also offers a delightful contrast in texture that will awaken your taste buds.

Ingredients

• Cucumber - 300 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Red chili oil - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 teaspoon
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Sichuan peppercorns - 1/2 teaspoon, toasted and crushed
• Green onions - 2, chopped

Steps

1. Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly and then slice them into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
2. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, red chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and salt to create the spicy dressing.
3. Toast Sichuan peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then crush them and add them to the dressing.
4. In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers with the spicy dressing until they are well coated.
5. Let the cucumbers marinate in the dressing for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the cucumbers and give them a final toss.

Nutrition

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 2 g
• Carbs: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, helping with hydration.
• The dish provides a good source of antioxidants from garlic and sesame oil, which can support overall health.

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