Name: Spicy Beef and Cucumbers
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium English hothouse cucumber or 3 kirby cucumbers (about 12 ounces total); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 pound ground beef; Kosher salt; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 red chiles, finely chopped; 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons black (Chinkiang) vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; Freshly ground black pepper; Steamed rice, cooked ramen, or chopped romaine (for serving); 1½ cups mixed tender herbs (such as mint, basil, and/or cilantro); Lime wedges (for serving)

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Photo by Alex Lau

Never cooked cucumbers before? This recipe should convince you to give the method a try, especially when they’re quickly tossed in a hot pan and kept crisp, as they are here.

Spicy Beef and Cucumbers with Black Vinegar

Recipe notes