Chunky Bacon And Cucumber Salad

Chunky Bacon And Cucumber Salad
  • Author: Ching-He Huang

In this flavorful spicy Sichuan stir-fried cucumber recipe, the combination of dried chillies, Sichuan peppercorns, and smoked lardons creates a dish that's both aromatic and savory. Tossed with a medley of seasonings and garnished with fresh coriander and peanuts, this dish is a delightful balance of heat and crunch.

— Constant Cookbook

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp groundnut oil
  • 6 long dried chillies
  • 2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 whole star anise
  • 100g/3½oz smoked lardons
  • 1 red chilli
  • 1-2 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine or dry sherry
  • 2 tbsp clear rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 200g/7oz cucumber
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1-2 pinches dried chilli
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp chilli oil
  • 1 small handful fresh coriander
  • dry-roasted peanuts

Instructions

  • Heat a wok until smoking and add the groundnut oil, then add the dried chillies and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir fry for a few seconds, or until fragrant.
  • Add the star anise (if using), bacon lardons and chilli and stir fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the lardons have turned golden-brown at the edges.
  • Add the rice wine or sherry, vinegar and sesame oil and stir-fry for a few seconds, then add the cucumber and stir-fry for a few more seconds.
  • Season with sea salt, dried chilli flakes and lime juice, stirring well.
  • Pile the stir-fry onto a serving plate, drizzle over the chilli oil, garnish with the chopped coriander, sprinkle over some peanuts, if using, and serve immediately.

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Cook Time

10M

Prep Time

PT30M

Yield

Serves 2