Cucumbers, as a cool and refreshing summer vegetable, have always been a favorite. Over time, cucumbers grow old and seem to lose their former value. But that's not the case. Old cucumbers are actually rich in culinary potential. Today, let's explore the amazing uses of old cucumbers and unlock their endless possibilities in the kitchen.
Pickled old cucumber: a tart appetizer
Old cucumber has a thick, tough skin, but pickling it will give it a new lease of life. Old cucumbers are cut into thin slices or cubes and placed in a solution of vinegar, sugar, salt and spices. After some time in the marinade, the cucumber will become tart and crunchy, making it an excellent choice for an appetizer or to accompany a salad.
Patting cucumber: crisp and refreshing
Patting cucumber is a homemade dish that is also a great way to beat the summer heat. Flatten the old cucumber, add minced garlic, ginger, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil, and mix well. This dish is crisp and flavorful, sweet and sour, and is a good choice for relieving fatigue at the table.
Cucumber soup: summer heat
The heat-clearing effect of old cucumber should not be underestimated. Peel and cut the old cucumber into chunks, put it into a pot with tomatoes, onions, garlic and other vegetables, and add stock and seasonings. Simmer until the cucumber is soft, and enjoy a bowl of cool and refreshing cucumber soup.
Cold cucumber: simple and delicious
Cold cucumber is an easy to do home cooking. Shred old cucumbers, add minced garlic, cilantro and chili oil, drizzle in soy sauce and balsamic vinegar, and mix well. This dish is refreshing and appetizing, a must-have on the hot summer table.
Old cucumber fried meat: fresh flavorful rice
Old cucumber is not only suitable for cold, but also with meat fried. Cut the old cucumber into slices, cut the meat into julienne strips, heat the pan with oil, fry the meat until brown, then add the cucumber slices, stir-fry until the cucumber is broken. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce and green onion, ginger and garlic seasoning, can be removed from the pot. This dish is fresh and flavorful and makes a great meal.
Old cucumber fancy eating
In addition to the above methods, the old cucumber has more surprising ways to eat. For example, cut the old cucumber into thin slices, coated with egg wash and breadcrumbs, and fry them in a frying pan until they are golden brown and crispy, then you have a crispy cucumber crunch on the outside and a tender one on the inside.
Another example is to cut old cucumbers into strips and add them to noodles along with shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and other vegetables, pour the sauce over them, and toss to coat. This cucumber noodle dish is cool and relieves the heat, making it a good choice for a summer lunch.
The old cucumber is not useless; it holds a wealth of culinary potential waiting to be tapped. Whether it's pickled, patted cucumber, cucumber soup, cold cucumber, or old cucumber stir-fry, each practice is unique and meets the needs of different tastes. The next time you encounter an old cucumber, use your imagination to unlock more of its delicious possibilities!