Cucumbers are one of the most versatile and refreshing ingredients in your pantry. While they’re often used raw in salads or as a snack, cooked cucumbers can add a whole new level of flavor and texture to many dishes. Whether you’re looking for a light and easy side dish or a bold and spicy main course, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 delicious cooked cucumber recipes.
From classic stir-fries and braises to creative twists like pan-seared cucumbers with sesame oil or roasted cucumbers with parmesan and thyme, there’s something for every taste and occasion. And the best part? These recipes are perfect for any time of year, whether you’re looking for a summer side dish or a hearty winter meal.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of our favorite cooked cucumber recipes, from comforting stews to elegant entrees. So grab your cucumbers and get ready to cook up something amazing!
Stir-Fried Cucumber with Garlic and Chili
A refreshing and spicy twist on a classic stir-fry, this recipe combines the sweetness of cucumber with the pungency of garlic and chili peppers. Perfect for a quick and easy side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-2 chili peppers (depending on desired level of spiciness), sliced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced chili peppers and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Add the sliced cucumber and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until tender but still crisp.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Braised Cucumber with Soy Sauce and Ginger
This refreshing summer dish combines the sweetness of cucumbers with the savory flavors of soy sauce and ginger, creating a perfect side dish for any meal. The braising process tenderizes the cucumber to perfection, while the aromatics add depth and complexity.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ginger slices and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Add the cucumber slices in a single layer, without overlapping.
4. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Braise the cucumbers for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Grilled Cucumber with Lemon and Herbs
A refreshing summer side dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Brush both sides of cucumber slices with the lemon-olive oil mixture.
4. Place cucumber slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until slightly charred and tender.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped mint leaves.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pan-Seared Cucumber with Sesame Oil
Elevate your summer salads with this simple yet flavorful recipe that highlights the freshness of cucumbers and the nutty taste of sesame oil.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Japanese cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, toss the cucumber slices with a pinch of salt and set aside for 5 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
3. Add the sesame oil to the preheated skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
4. Remove the cucumbers from the bowl, letting any excess liquid drip off. Add them to the skillet in a single layer, without overcrowding.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cucumbers are tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with soy sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Steamed Cucumber with Miso Glaze
A refreshing and savory summer side dish that combines the natural sweetness of cucumber with the rich umami flavor of miso glaze. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a light accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cucumber slices. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly tender.
3. In a small saucepan, whisk together miso paste, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
4. Add the water and bring to a simmer over low heat, whisking constantly.
5. Brush the miso glaze over the steamed cucumber slices.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Roasted Cucumber with Parmesan and Thyme
A refreshing twist on traditional cucumber dishes, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of cucumbers through a simple roasting process. The addition of nutty Parmesan cheese and fragrant thyme creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 cucumbers
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Slice the cucumbers into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
3. In a bowl, toss the cucumber slices with olive oil, salt, and thyme until evenly coated.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the cucumber slices in a single layer.
5. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until cucumbers are tender and lightly caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the roasted cucumbers.
7. Serve warm, garnished with additional thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sauteed Cucumber with Bacon and Onions
A refreshing twist on a summer classic, this recipe combines the sweetness of cucumbers with the smokiness of bacon and the pungency of onions. Perfect as a side dish or topping for sandwiches and salads.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
4. Add the sliced cucumbers to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until they start to soften.
5. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the cucumber mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pickled and Fried Cucumber Chips
Add a tangy twist to your snack game with these crispy and addictive Pickled and Fried Cucumber Chips. Thinly sliced cucumbers are pickled in a zesty brine, then fried until golden and crunchy.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Paprika or garlic powder for seasoning (optional)
Instructions:
1. Slice cucumbers into thin rounds.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add the cucumber slices to the brine and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. Remove the cucumbers from the brine and fry in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
6. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with paprika or garlic powder if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (includes pickling time)
Cucumber and Tomato Stew with Basil
A refreshing summer stew that combines the sweetness of tomatoes, the crunch of cucumbers, and the brightness of basil.
Ingredients:
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1 large cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the sliced cucumber and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Curried Cucumber with Coconut Milk
This refreshing side dish is perfect for hot summer days. The creamy coconut milk and aromatic curry powder add a delightful twist to the simplicity of cucumbers.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumber slices
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the coconut milk over medium heat until warm.
3. Add the curry powder, salt, and black pepper to the coconut milk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the curried coconut milk mixture over the cucumber slices.
5. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (preparation and refrigeration time included)
Baked Cucumber with Breadcrumbs and Cheese
Elevate your snack game with this easy-to-make baked cucumber recipe, perfect for a light and satisfying treat. Crunchy breadcrumbs and melted cheese add a delightful texture to the refreshing coolness of the cucumber.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium cucumbers
– 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and olive oil until crumbly.
4. Place a cucumber round on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Sprinkle one-fourth of the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cucumber.
6. Top with one-fourth of the cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 for each cucumber round.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown and cheese is melted.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and refreshing baked cucumbers!
Spicy Szechuan Cucumber Stir-Fry
This spicy and refreshing stir-fry is a perfect summer dish, combining the crunch of cucumbers with the bold flavors of Szechuan peppercorns and chili oil. Quick to make and packed with flavor, it’s an excellent side dish or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cucumber, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1 tablespoon chili oil
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; stir-fry until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the cucumber slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
4. Stir in the toasted Szechuan peppercorns and chili oil.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cucumber and Mushroom Medley
This refreshing salad combines the coolness of cucumber with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish. The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural flavors to shine through.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey until well combined.
2. Add the sliced cucumbers and mushrooms to the bowl; toss gently to coat with the dressing.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Garlic Butter Cucumber Noodles
Revamp your pasta game with this refreshing summer twist on classic noodles. Garlic butter and cucumber add a savory and cooling touch to this easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz noodles (such as spaghetti or linguine)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add sliced cucumber to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly tender.
4. Combine cooked noodles with garlic butter-cucumber mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Caramelized Cucumber with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your salad game with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the freshness of cucumber with the richness of caramelized flavors. This sweet and savory treat is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– Salt to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced cucumbers and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their excess moisture and start to caramelize.
3. Sprinkle the sugar over the cucumbers and stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the liquid has almost completely reduced and the cucumbers are sweet and sticky.
5. Remove from heat and stir in balsamic glaze (see note).
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
8. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cucumber and Shrimp Skillet
This refreshing skillet dish combines succulent shrimp with cool cucumber and flavorful herbs, perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the sliced cucumbers to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened.
6. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and simmer for 1 minute.
7. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the shrimp on top of the cucumber mixture and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Herbed Cucumber and Potato Mash
A refreshing twist on traditional mashed potatoes, this herby mash combines the coolness of cucumber with the warmth of potatoes and a hint of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup grated cucumber
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the potato cubes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the grated cucumber, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Mash the potato mixture with a potato masher or a fork until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cucumber and Chickpea Curry
This flavorful curry is perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish to accompany your favorite entrees. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, creamy chickpeas, and aromatic spices will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
– 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups water or coconut milk (optional)
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add chickpeas, cucumbers, and water or coconut milk (if using). Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Summary
Looking for creative ways to enjoy cucumbers? From classic dishes like salads and sandwiches, to innovative recipes that showcase this refreshing ingredient’s versatility, we’ve got you covered! In this article, discover 18 mouth-watering cooked cucumber recipes perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s a dish on this list that will satisfy your cravings. Get ready to elevate your cooking skills and enjoy cucumbers like never before!
