iStock
"Sometimes you just need to eat a whole cucumber." In case you haven't noticed cucumbers are having a moment and are all over the internet thanks to Logan Moffitt and his viral videos.
Armed with a whole cucumber, a mandolin, and a plastic deli container, Moffitt has been taking over the internet with recipes that have inspired people to see the humble cucumber in an entirely new way. With many of his recipe videos getting more than 30 million views. Drawing heavily on Asian treatments of cucumbers, the Moffitt effect has seen a surge in cucumber sales across the Western world, even selling out in some stores.
Cucumbers are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, sides, stir fries, desserts, and cocktails. See below for cucumber recipes, some inspired by Moffitt's viral videos and a few more classic ones.
The original and best way to eat an entire cucumber
Inspired by Moffitt’s cucumber mandolin method, try this Asian-inspired salad that is full of umami and packs a chili punch.
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cucumber (thinly sliced with mandolin)
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp MSG
1 clove garlic (grated)
1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp chili oil
Fresh dill and microgreens for garnish
1 spring onion, chopped
Method
Slice the cucumber and place it in a container. Add all the other ingredients, put on the lid and shake well. You can eat the salad directly from the container or on a plate.
Sushi cucumber
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cucumber
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp wasabi
2cm fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp mayonnaise
3.5oz/100g smoked salmon, roughly chopped
1 tsp MSG
1 tbsp furikake seasoning
Method
Slice the cucumber with a mandolin. Place all ingredients in a plastic container and shake thoroughly.
Cucumber peanut butter salad
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cucumber
1 tbsp peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 clove garlic, grated
1 tsp MSG
1 tsp rice wine vinegar
1 tsp sesame seeds
Method
Slice the cucumber with a mandolin. Place all ingredients in a plastic container and shake thoroughly.
Claudia Concas
Smashed cucumber salad
This is a classic Chinese recipe from Fine Dining Lovers' Tried and Tasted series, so you know it's delicious. Easy to make and reliably satisfying, it's one you'll turn to again and again.
