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–+ servings
English cucumber, bok choy, and kohlrabi slices with grill marks on a cast iron grill.
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juicy grilled cucumber

Juicy grilled cucumber is the side dish you didn't know you were missing. It's a chef secret you can wow your guests with – perfect for BBQ. Flavor it with a simple, special flavor-boosting sauce, or enjoy the charred, tender cucumber all on its own. 
prep time5 minutes
cook time10 minutes
total time15 minutes
servings: 4 servings (4 ounces each)
author: cindy chou

ingredients

  • 2 Japanese or English cucumbers about 20 ounces, halved lengthwise (or 4 Persian cucumbers)
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • ¼ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt use half the amount if using sea salt
  • ¼ lemon juiced

optional sauce:

instructions

  • Cut each cucumber in half and cut the ends off, then cut each half down the middle lengthwise.
  • Heat your grill or grill pan until smoking hot, then oil the grill.
  • Grill for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
  • Remove from the grill and season with salt and fresh lemon juice. For a bolder flavor, top with the optional sauce.
  • Serve with your favorite grilled proteins.

equipment and highlighted ingredients

notes

Please refer to the recipe post above for step-by-step photos, FAQs, and pro tips.
cucumber – A ‘seedless’ cucumber works best since the peel is thinner and there are fewer seeds that are also smaller. English cucumbers, Japanese cucumbers, and Persian cucumbers taste amazing grilled. Korean cucumbers should work well too!
salt – This recipe uses Diamond Crystal kosher salt since it has lower sodium levels per volume, making it easier to layer the seasoning without accidentally oversalting a dish. It can be found in some grocery stores or online. *If using sea salt, use half of the amount listed in the recipe.
lemon juice – Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice will brighten up the flavors.
variations:
flavor booster – Add 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce mixed with 1 teaspoon of mala chili crisp for a quick boost of umami flavor and a spicy kick. Baste the cut side of the grilled cucumber with the sauce right after taking it off the grill.
tried this recipe?Tag me @thesoundofcooking! I'd love to see what you made.