In this handy guide, we’re learning 4 easy ways to cut cucumbers: slicing, creating crescent shapes, making sticks, and dicing. With these versatile cutting techniques, you’ll be all set to whip up your beloved cucumber recipes in no time! Plus, we’ll share tips and tricks on how to store your cucumbers so they stay crisp, and not soggy, whether or not you need to peel them, and how to deal with those watery seeds.
Table of Contents
- Most Common Types of Cucumbers
- Should I peel the cucumber before cutting it?
- Do I need to remove the seeds from the cucumber?
- How to Slice Cucumbers
- Tip for Uniform Slices
- Cutting Cucumbers into Half-Moons
- How to Dice Cucumbers
- How to Cut Cucumbers Into Sticks (Julienne Cut)
- Keep Sliced Cucumbers Crisp
- Best Cucumber Recipes
It wasn’t until recently when we started making ALL of the Mediterranean and Greek dishes that I realized how much I absolutely adore cucumbers.
Whether sliced and diced and added to a Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad, shredded and mixed into a Tzatziki sauce, or tossed in a simple sauce for an Asian Cucumber Salad, this crisp and fresh veggie is as versatile as it is delicious!
In addition to its many uses, the number of ways you can cut it is also vast. You can also choose to peel it, or keep the skin on; remove the seeds or keep them for more liquid goodness. The options are all yours, but we’ll go into more detail about all of them below!
Most Common Types of Cucumbers
You’re most likely to find the following in your grocery store produce section or farmers market:
- American Cucumbers (or Garden Cucumbers)
- English cucumbers (pictured above)
- Persian Cucumber, or Mini Cucumbers
- Other less common types: Kirby, Armenian, Japanese
Should I peel the cucumber before cutting it?
Whether or not you peel the cucumber is entirely up to you! It depends on your preference along with the recipe you choose.
The skin is more fibrous and chewy than the inside of the cucumber. It can also impart a slightly bitter flavor. For delicate recipes, it might be wise to remove the skin. Otherwise, leave it on.
To easily remove the skin, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
Do I need to remove the seeds from the cucumber?
Once again, it’s up to you and the recipe whether the seeds should be removed. Do note that the area around the seeds contains a lot of moisture and can make dishes quite watery.
How to Slice Cucumbers
The first step is to trim the ends. Cut about ½-inch from both ends of the cucumber.
Set the cucumber on its side and make slices about ⅛ inch to ½ inch thick. Move along the length of the cucumber carefully.
You can simply use a sharp knife and a cutting board, or use a mandolin for quick and uniform slices.
Tip for Uniform Slices
If you’re aiming for super uniform, it’s all about technique. Start with the tip of the knife next to the cucumber and the handle up, then carefully roll it down. Start slowly, ensuring even cuts. You can also use a mandolin!
Cutting Cucumbers into Half-Moons
Crescent shape cucumber slices are so impressive and perfect for serving to guests (or just for a fun snack!)
To get a half moon or quarter moon shape, trim the ends as before, but cut the cucumber in half lengthwise before making any slices. Cut it in half again for quarter moons. Then, lay the flat side down and make ¼- to ½-inch thick slices.
For a seedless crescent shape, after you’ve cut the cucumber lengthwise, use a sharp spoon with a relatively sharp edge to scoop along the inside of the flesh, removing the seeds. Leave at least ½-inch of flesh on the skin. Continue making thin slices as before.
How to Dice Cucumbers
When dicing cucumber, it’s best to remove the seeds first or you’ll have pieces that are only seeds.
First, cut the cucumber in half longways with a sharp knife, then remove the seeds with a spoon. Lay the cucumber flat-side down, and slice planks as thick as you want the pieces. Be careful when slicing; protect your fingers by curling them under.
Stack a few cucumber planks on top of each other. Slice each one into sticks. Repeat with the remaining planks until you have a good size pile.
Now, gather a pile of sticks and hold them carefully but firmly in your non-dominant hand. Cut the sticks into evenly sized pieces. Continue cutting until you have finished.
How to Cut Cucumbers Into Sticks (Julienne Cut)
If you’ve never tried a Julienne cut, it’s a fun and impressive method that works amazing with cucumbers.
Cut the cucumber into 2- to 3-inch pieces that are easier to work with.
You can remove as much or as little of the peel as you’d like. I prefer to remove only one side, as this gives the cucumber a flat surface so you can easily make cuts.
With the flat side of the chunk down on the cutting board, make cuts across the cucumber about ¹⁄₁₆– to ⅛-inch wide, creating a uniform matchstick shape. Then, slice each strip into smaller pieces resembling matchsticks.
Keep Sliced Cucumbers Crisp
If you need to store sliced cucumbers, there is a simple trick to ensure they last. Rather than throwing them in a bag or container, wrap them in a damp paper towel first. This way, they should last for up to 4 to 5 days.
Best Cucumber Recipes
Once you’ve figured out how to easily slice a cucumber, you’ll be looking for ways to use them up! These recipes are perfect.
