Cucumbers are one of my favorite vegetables to keep on hand, because they’re great for a quick and easy snack but also lend themselves to strong flavors like the ones in this recipe.
It might look fancy, but trust me—the spiral cut for this dish is easier than you think. Tossing sliced cucumbers with fresh garlic, apple cider vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and chili flakes creates a spicy and savory side that goes great with everything from fish to steak.
I used Persian cucumbers because they usually have a more tender skin, but you can also use regular cucumbers for this recipe as well. Cucumbers are an excellent source of fat soluble vitamin K, which works synergistically with vitamin D to optimize bone strength. Pairing cucumbers with sesame oil and sesame seeds adds a touch of healthy fats that aid in vitamin K absorption.
Wishing you health and happiness, Mark Hyman, MD