15-Min Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
A simple yet flavorful Taiwanese cucumber salad featuring crisp cucumbers marinated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light snack!
Ingredients
- 1.5 Pounds English or Persian cucumbers Sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons Rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
- 1 Clove garlic Minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon Chili oil Or chili flakes for a milder option
- 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds For garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Slice the cucumbers into ½-inch thick rounds or bite-sized pieces. For added crunch, keep the peel on.
- Salt the Cucumbers: In a spacious mixing container, arrange the cucumber slices. Distribute 1 tablespoon of kosher salt uniformly over the cucumbers. Toss the cucumbers to coat them thoroughly. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This step helps remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
- Rinse and Dry: After a quarter of an hour, wash the cucumbers thoroughly with cool water to eliminate any remaining salt. Gently blot them with a fresh dish towel or paper napkin to remove moisture. Make sure they are as free from water as possible before proceeding.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon of chili oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Combine Cucumbers and Dressing: Add the dried cucumbers to the bowl of dressing. Toss gently to ensure each cucumber slice is well-coated.
- Marinate: Seal the container with a plastic covering or transfer the sliced cucumbers to a sealed vessel. Store in the refrigerator and let the cucumbers soak for a minimum of half an hour. For stronger flavors, marinate for up to 2 days.
- Serve: Transfer the marinated cucumbers to a serving dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Calories per serving: 85 calories (205 grams)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
- Nutritional Info per serving: 3g fat, 1g saturated fat, 10g carbs, 1g fiber, 2g protein, 250mg sodium
