Keto Cucumber with a Bang

Keto Cucumber with a Bang is an easy dish that tastes great with very little work.  This is the kind of recipe you can prepare in a matter of minutes when you want something cool, crisp, and filling without using the stove. The cucumbers remain crisp and refreshing while the dressing adds heat, salt, and tang in a well-balanced way. The chili adds just enough fire to make every bite intriguing, and the sesame oil adds a warm, nutty note that makes the dish feel richer than a simple salad. This is an excellent snack when you want to maintain your ketogenic diet but still have a strong craving. It goes well with lettuce wraps, keto sushi, low-carb stir fries, and grilled meat. You can double the ingredients and serve them at a party, or you can prepare a small bowl for yourself. It is consistently flavorful, light, and fresh.

Keto Meal Plan for Free: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE KETO DIET FOR BEGINNERS

STATS:

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Serving size: One bowl
• Cook time: None
• Cuisine: American, Asian fusion
• Total time: 10 minutes
• Course: Snack, side dish, appetizer
• Diet: Keto
• Serving: 2

EQUIPMENT:

• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Small whisk

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 big cucumber
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Keto chili crisp
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Chopped green onion

INGREDIENT NOTES:

CUCUMBERS:

• Cucumber quickly absorbs the strong flavors and adds a crisp crunch to the dish. It is best to utilize English or Persian ones, as they have fewer seeds and softer skin. You can remove the skin if required, but it is not necessary.

SESAME OIL:

• Sesame oil adds a nutty and warm flavor to the snack.  It adds strong flavor without affecting carbohydrates.  Use olive oil if needed, but the flavor will be different.

COCONUT AMINOS:

• The umami and salt from coconut aminos help to balance the spices.  The recipe is low in carbohydrates and gluten-free.  Add the aminos according to the preferred taste.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR:

• Apple cider vinegar enhances the flavors and maintains the dish’s equilibrium. It cuts through the sesame oil for a more refined flavor. Either choice is effective in keto cooking.

KETO CHILI CRISP:

• The cucumbers get heat and character from chili crisp or a keto-friendly chili paste. Without adding carbohydrates, it gives a strong kick. Decrease the quantity of chili crisps if you want to make the cucumbers less spicy.

GARLIC:

• The aroma and intensity of garlic complement the sesame flavor. Fresh garlic has the greatest flavor impact, so it works best. Use half as much if you want a more delicate flavor.

SALT:

• Salt causes the cucumbers to release less moisture in addition to making everything taste more balanced. Use just a pinch since coconut aminos already contain salt. When tasting, adjust to your preferences.

SESAME SEEDS:

• Sesame seeds provide a light, nutty flavor and texture in the dish. It will also aid in enhancing the look of the cucumber. Toast them to enhance the flavor.

GREEN ONIONS:

• Sesame and chili go well with the light onion flavor and fresh finish of green onion. It gives the dish more color and contrast. You can exclude the green onions if you want to make it simple.

Keto Meal Plan for Free: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE KETO DIET FOR BEGINNERS

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut the cucumber into half-moons or thin coins after washing.
2. Put the pieces of cucumber in a mixing dish.
3. Mix the sesame oil, Coconut aminos, vinegar, chili crisp & garlic in a different small dish.
4. Cover the cucumbers with the sauce.
5. Gently toss to evenly coat everything.
6. Sprinkle some sesame seeds & green onions on top.
7. Serve after five minutes when flavors blend easily.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

PROTEIN PAIRINGS:

• Grilled chicken
• Baked salmon
• Shrimp skewers
• Bun-less beef burgers
• Pork chops

KETO MAINS:

• Cauliflower fried rice
• Keto stir fry
• Zucchini noodle bowls
• Keto sushi rolls
• Lettuce wrap tacos

SIDE DISH:

• Roasted asparagus
• Garlic sautéed spinach
• Cauliflower mash
• Keto coleslaw
• Parmesan zucchini chips

SNACK PLATTER:

• Cheese cubes
• Olives
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Keto pepperoni slices
• Almonds

DIPS & SAUCES:

• Keto ranch
• Garlic aioli
• Chili mayo
• Peanut dipping sauce
• Tahini dressing

TIPS:

• Cool the cucumbers for fifteen minutes to enhance all the flavors.
• Utilize a small quantity of chili oil to provide a mild flavor.
• Include grated ginger to provide a bright flavor.
• Take out the seeds with a scoop if using regular cucumbers to provide better texture.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Add them to the closed vessel & store for 2 days.

FREEZER:

• We don’t have to freeze the cucumbers, as they will lose all the water.

FAQs

How to prepare a less spicy dish?

• Decrease the quantity of chili crisp or completely exclude it to make them less spicy.

Will I make slices of cucumbers in advance?

• Yes, we can make slices of cucumbers in advance & store them dry and dress them at the time of serving.

Will I include protein in this dish?

• Yes, we can include proteins like shrimp, tofu, or chicken and make them a light meal.

Keto Meal Plan for Free: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO THE KETO DIET FOR BEGINNERS

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Calories: 70 kcal

Net carbs: 3 g

Total carbs: 5 g

Fiber: 2 g

Protein: 2 g

Fat: 5 g

Calcium: 20 g

Iron: 0.3 g

Vitamin A: 2 g

Sodium: 150 g

Potassium: 180 g

Serving size: 1 cup

Serving: 2