When temperatures soar and heavy meals feel like a burden, celebrity chef Kunal Kapur has a simple solution. Sharing a quick and refreshing recipe on Instagram, the chef revealed how he makes stir-fried cucumber for lunch on extremely hot days.
Calling it “crisp, light and packed with flavour,” Kunal Kapoor said the dish is exactly the kind of meal that can make the summer heat a little more bearable. The recipe combines crunchy cucumber with a tangy, spicy sauce and aromatic ingredients like ginger, garlic and sesame, creating a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying.
ALSO READ: Harsh Goenka's viral 3–30–300 rule is a powerful reminder about choosing friends wisely
Why stir-fried cucumber is perfect for summer
Cucumber is known for its high water content, making it a popular ingredient during hot weather. While it is usually eaten raw in salads, stir-frying gives it a completely different texture while helping it absorb flavours from sauces and seasonings.
The result is a dish that remains crunchy and refreshing while delivering a balance of sweet, spicy and savoury flavours.
ALSO READ: Weather Tomorrow July 2
Ingredients you will need
- 4 large cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp chilli flakes
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tsp chopped ginger
- 1 tbsp chopped garlic
- 1 chopped green chilli (optional)
- 5 tbsp chopped red bell pepper
- A handful of chopped spring onions
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How to make Chef Kunal Kapur’s stir-fried cucumber
Step 1: Prepare the cucumber
Wash and cut the cucumbers into thick pieces or batons. Sprinkle salt over them and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps remove excess moisture and keeps the cucumber crisp during cooking.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a bowl, combine light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chilli flakes and water. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Sauté the aromatics
Heat oil in a pan or wok. Add chopped ginger and garlic, and sauté until fragrant. If you enjoy extra heat, add the chopped green chilli at this stage.
