Today, I am excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite side dishes – Fried Cucumbers. This dish is a staple in Eastern European cuisine and is a perfect addition to any meal. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and takes only a few minutes to prepare.
In this blog post, I will be sharing my tried and tested recipe for Fried Cucumbers, along with some tips and variations to make it even more delicious. So, whether you’re looking for a new side dish to add to your dinner rotation or a snack to munch on, this recipe is for you. Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious and easy side dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations in my family and it never fails to impress. Are you ready for it? Fried Cucumbers! I know, I know, you might be thinking “Fried Cucumbers? That sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry.” But trust me, my dear readers, once you try these fried cucumbers, you’ll be hooked. These bad boys are like the ninja of side dishes, sneaking in and stealing the show without anyone noticing. It’s the perfect side dish that can be paired with any meat or fish, and it’s so easy to make that even a baby can do it (Just kidding, please don’t give your baby a frying pan).
Fried Cucumbers are a popular side dish in Eastern European cuisine, made by pan-frying slices of cucumber in oil or butter. The cucumbers are typically sliced thin, salted, and then pan-fried until golden brown. They can be served as a side dish with meat or fish, or as a snack on their own. Fried cucumbers are often seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices such as dill, garlic, and sour cream to add more flavor.
There are many reasons why you should try this recipe for Fried Cucumbers.:
- They are easy to make: Fried cucumbers are incredibly easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. They only take a few minutes to prepare and cook, making them a perfect side dish for busy weeknights or for when you have unexpected guests.
- They are versatile: Fried cucumbers can be served with a variety of dishes, from meat to fish to vegetables. They can also be served as a snack on their own or topped with sour cream for a creamy and delicious treat.
- They add flavor and texture to your meal: Fried cucumbers are a great way to add some flavor and texture to your meal. The golden brown crispy exterior and the juicy cucumber inside make a great combination.
- They are a healthy option: Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for a healthy side dish.
- They are a great way to use up cucumbers: If you have an abundance of cucumbers and you don’t know what to do with them, this recipe is a great way to use them up.
- They are a traditional recipe: Fried cucumbers are a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations in Eastern European cuisine and it’s one of the most known and loved traditional recipe.
All these reasons make Fried Cucumbers a recipe that you should try, and you will understand why it’s a favorite in Eastern European cuisine.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable, olive, or sunflower oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 clove of minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of chopped dill
Instructions:
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.
- Pat dry the cucumber slices with a paper towel.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the cucumber slices to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cucumbers from the pan, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Season the cucumbers with pepper and any additional herbs or spices you like.
- Serve warm as a side dish or a snack.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy Fried Cucumbers!
It’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for those who are looking for a tasty and easy side dish to add to their meals.
Tips:
- To add more flavor to your Fried Cucumbers, you can add minced garlic or chopped dill before cooking.
- You can also use butter instead of oil for a richer flavor.
- Make sure to use a clean and dry pan to avoid splashing oil while cooking.
- You can also use a non-stick pan to avoid sticking and make the cleaning process easier.
- You can add some sour cream on top of the fried cucumbers for a creamy and delicious treat.
- Enjoy your meal!
Serving Suggestions:
Fried Cucumbers are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of dishes.
Here are some serving suggestions for you to try:
- Serve with meat: Fried Cucumbers are a great side dish to serve with grilled or pan-seared meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. They complement the richness of the meat and add a refreshing crunch.
- Serve with fish: Fried Cucumbers are also a great side dish to serve with fish, such as salmon or cod. They provide a nice contrast to the delicate flavor of the fish.
- Serve with vegetables: Fried Cucumbers can also be served as a side dish to vegetables such as roasted or sautéed vegetables. They add a nice crunch and flavor to the vegetables.
- Serve as a snack: Fried Cucumbers can also be served as a snack on their own. They are a great alternative to traditional fried snacks such as chips or fries.
- Serve with sour cream: If you want to add some extra flavor to your Fried Cucumbers, you can top them with a dollop of sour cream. This adds a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs well with the cucumbers.
- Serve with a salad: Fried Cucumbers can also be added to a salad to add some crunch and flavor.
No matter how you serve Fried Cucumbers, they will be a delicious and easy side dish that will be loved by everyone.
Variations and Tips:
Here are some variations and tips for making Fried Cucumbers even more delicious:
- Add herbs and spices: For added flavor, try adding minced garlic or chopped dill to the cucumbers before frying. Other herbs and spices such as parsley, thyme, or paprika can also be added.
- Use different types of oil: For different flavors, try using different types of oil when frying the cucumbers. Olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor, while sunflower oil adds a light, neutral flavor.
- Use butter: For a richer flavor, try using butter instead of oil when frying the cucumbers.
- Add sour cream: For a creamy and delicious treat, top the Fried Cucumbers with a dollop of sour cream.
- Try different cucumber varieties: Different cucumber varieties have different levels of water content, sweetness, and crunch. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.
- Use a non-stick pan: To avoid sticking and make the cleaning process easier, use a non-stick pan when frying the cucumbers.
Make sure to use a clean and dry pan to avoid splashing oil while cooking.
Pat dry the cucumbers with a paper towel before frying to avoid excess water that can cause splashing of oil.
Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying the cucumbers. Fry them in small batches to ensure even cooking.
Have fun and experiment with different variations and seasonings to find your perfect Fried Cucumbers recipe.
Enjoy your meal and have fun experimenting with different variations!
Fried Cucumbers healthy?
Fried Cucumbers can be considered a healthy option as cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content. They are also a good source of antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C and K. However, the method of frying does add calories and fat to the dish.
When making Fried Cucumbers, it is important to consider the type of oil used and the amount used. Using a healthy oil such as olive oil or avocado oil and not using too much of it can help keep the dish healthier. Additionally, using a non-stick pan or cooking spray can help reduce the amount of oil needed.
It is also important to note that Fried Cucumbers should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. They can be a great side dish option, but consuming too much fried food can have negative effects on overall health.
In Conclusion, Fried Cucumbers can be considered a healthy option as long as they are prepared with healthy oil, in a moderate amount and as a part of a balanced diet.
Nutrition facts:
The nutrition information for a serving of Fried Cucumbers (1 cup, about 150g) made with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g (Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 4g)
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin C: 14% of the daily value (DV)
- Vitamin K: 16% of the daily value (DV)
It’s worth noting that this nutritional information is based on the assumption that 2 tablespoons of oil were used. If less oil is used, the nutritional values will be adjusted accordingly. Also, the nutritional value of Fried Cucumbers can be influenced by the type of oil used, if butter is used the numbers will be different.
FAQs About Fried Cucumbers Recipe:
Can I use different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Can I use butter instead of oil?
Can I make Fried Cucumbers in advance?
Can I freeze Fried Cucumbers?
Can I make Fried Cucumbers in an air fryer?
Can I make Fried Cucumbers vegan?
Can I make Fried Cucumbers gluten-free?
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fried Cucumbers are a delicious and easy side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. They are a staple in Eastern European cuisine, made by pan-frying slices of cucumber in oil or butter. Fried cucumbers are incredibly easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients, making them a perfect side dish for busy weeknights or for when you have unexpected guests.
They are versatile, adding flavor and texture to your meal, they are a healthy option, and they are a great way to use up cucumbers. The recipe is easy to follow and with variations and tips, you can customize it to your taste.
Fried Cucumbers Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 2 tablespoons oil vegetable, olive, or sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 clove of minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of chopped dill
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.
- Pat dry the cucumber slices with a paper towel.
- Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the cucumber slices to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cucumbers from the pan, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Season the cucumbers with pepper and any additional herbs or spices you like.
- Serve warm as a side dish or a snack.
Notes
Nutrition facts:
The nutrition information for a serving of Fried Cucumbers (1 cup, about 150g) made with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil:- Calories: 150
- Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g (Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 4g)
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin C: 14% of the daily value (DV)
- Vitamin K: 16% of the daily value (DV)