Are you craving the refreshing crunch and subtly sweet flavor of Din Tai Fung's famous cucumber salad? This incredibly easy recipe lets you recreate that delightful dish in your own kitchen. Perfect as a light appetizer, a refreshing side to any meal, or even a simple healthy lunch, this cucumber salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade delicious dishes! This recipe is perfect for those searching for quick dinner ideas or easy recipes for healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. Using a mandoline slicer ensures even slices, but a sharp knife works perfectly fine. To remove excess water, gently toss the sliced cucumbers with a teaspoon of salt and let them sit in a colander for about 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent a watery salad. Afterward, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for a crisp and flavorful salad.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Combine and Marinate: Add the dried cucumber slices to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the cucumbers are evenly coated. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even better, for an hour or two. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing and healthy side dish!
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad:
- Cucumber Variety: English cucumbers are ideal as they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, resulting in a less watery salad. However, any variety will work.
- Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. Some prefer a slightly tangier salad, while others prefer a sweeter one.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh ginger and garlic makes a big difference in the flavor.
- Don't Over-Salt: Be mindful of the salt used in the initial salting process; you can always add more soy sauce for extra saltiness if needed.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped chili pepper or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Added Crunch: Include some chopped toasted peanuts or cashews for added texture.
- Herbal Infusion: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chives adds a lovely aromatic touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy, low-calorie side dish. Nutritional information will vary slightly based on the specific ingredients used and serving size. A typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 50-70
- Fat: 3-5g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
This simple recipe for Din Tai Fung-style cucumber salad provides a delicious and healthy addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and vibrant flavors! It's the perfect example of how easy it is to create delicious dishes at home with minimal effort and readily available ingredients, making it a perfect option for anyone searching for best recipes for healthy, quick meals.