Chinese Stir-fried Cucumber with Garlic

Chinese Stir-fried Cucumber with Garlic recipe videos

Chinese Stir-fried Cucumber with Garlic is a simple, savory side dish popular in home-style Chinese cooking, particularly in northern and eastern regions. It features crisp cucumber slices quickly stir-fried with aromatic garlic, often seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. The dish is prized for its refreshing crunch and the balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is low in calories, with a rough ballpark of 80-120 calories per serving, making it a light and healthy option. It is not high in carbs, fat, or protein, but it provides hydration from the cucumber and antioxidants from the garlic, along with some vitamins like vitamin K and C.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	85 kcal
Protein	2.5 g
Carbs	10 g
Fat	4.5 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	450 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin C	12 mg
Vitamin K	25 µg
Manganese	0.3 mg
Magnesium	25 mg
Vitamin A	150 IU
Iron	0.8 mg
Calcium	30 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this dish reflects the Chinese culinary principle of 'qiao' (巧), or cleverness, in transforming simple, inexpensive ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying dish. Nutritionally, the quick stir-frying method helps retain the cucumber's crispness and nutrients, while garlic adds potential health benefits like supporting immune function.