Crispy yet tender fried cucumbers are a delightful appetizer or side dish that can add a fresh twist to any meal. Fried food is famous for being heavy and greasy, but these crunchy cukes are light and refreshing thanks to a quick fry in a simple batter.
The key is slicing the cucumbers thin enough that they cook up crispy outside while remaining tasty and juicy within.
Fried cucumbers are famous in many cuisines around the world. In Chinese cooking, lightly fried cucumber sticks are called “cucumber fries,” with entrees as a palate-cleansing accompaniment.
They also make appearances as tasty bar snacks and appetizers in American cuisine. Wherever they hail from, fried cucumbers have a universal appeal thanks to their satisfying crunch and versatile flavour that pairs well with dipping sauces ranging from sweet chilli sauce to ranch dressing.
This fried cucumber recipe will teach you how to make delectable fried cucumbers in the comfort of your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and tools, you can whip up a batch of these tasty fries as an anytime treat.
Follow along as I go step-by-step through selecting and preparing the cucumbers, whipping up a quick batter, frying them to golden perfection, and savouring the finished product. Let’s get cooking!
Fried Cucumber
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Paper towels
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold soda water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Video
Notes
Procedure For Making Fried Cucumber
Step 1: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water to remove dirt or debris, and then pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Trim off both ends of the cucumbers and slice each cucumber lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips.
Step 3: Cut the cucumber strips crosswise into sticks approximately 3 inches long and 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4: Line a plate with paper towels and set it aside–This is where the fried cucumbers will drain later.
Step 5: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually pour in the soda water while whisking continuously until a smooth, thick batter forms. The batter should coat the back of a spoon heavily.
Step 6: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot until about 3 inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F.
Step 7: Working in batches, dip the cucumber sticks into the batter until thoroughly coated on all sides. Gently add them to the hot oil without overcrowding.
Step 8: Fry for 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the batter is crisp and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon and transfer the fried cucumbers to the paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 9: Repeat steps 7 and 8 until all the sliced cucumbers have fried. Season with salt right after frying, if desired.
Step 10: Serve the fried cucumbers immediately while they are still warm and crispy. Enjoy them on their own and accompany them with your desired dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Golden and crisp yet cool and juicy within, fried cucumbers make for a fun and tasty snack or side any time of year. We hope you’ll try and enjoy these deliciously addictive “cucumber fries” as much as we do.
Let your creativity run wild when choosing dipping sauces–any flavour from sweet chilli to ranch goes viral with these crunchy morsels. Frying up a batch is simpler than you may think. With ingredients on hand, you can give in to your fried food craving in a fresh, lighter way. I really hope you enjoy this recipe. Check our Quick Recipees for more similar recipes.
