Are you craving a refreshing and incredibly flavorful side dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! Inspired by the legendary Din Tai Fung restaurant and countless enthusiastic Reddit posts, this cucumber salad recipe is a quick, healthy, and delicious addition to any meal. Forget complicated cooking – this simple recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings alike. It's one of those easy recipes that consistently delivers delicious results, making it a staple in my homemade cooking repertoire.
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 – adjust for your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prep the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. Using a mandoline slicer will give you perfectly even slices, but a sharp knife works just fine too. The thinner the slices, the better they'll absorb the delicious dressing.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference. Remember, this is your recipe, so feel free to personalize it!
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Combine and Marinate: Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the cucumber slices are coated evenly. Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cucumbers to soften slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: After marinating, give the salad another gentle toss. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside your favorite meal. This simple cucumber salad is a fantastic complement to grilled meats, dumplings, or even as part of a larger healthy meal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad:
- Salt the Cucumbers (Optional): For extra crisp cucumbers, you can salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and patting them dry. This draws out excess moisture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit them entirely.
- Make it Ahead: This salad is even better the next day, allowing the flavors to fully develop. You can easily make this ahead of time for parties or busy weeknights.
Variations:
- Add Some Crunch: Toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts add a wonderful textural element to this salad.
- Citrus Twist: A squeeze of lime juice adds a vibrant citrus note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Herby Delight: Experiment with other herbs like mint or basil for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 50-60
- Fat: 2-3g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
This delightful Din Tai Fung-inspired cucumber salad is a fantastic example of how quick dinner ideas can be both healthy and incredibly flavorful. It's a perfect illustration of how simple homemade cooking can yield delicious dishes, making it a true best recipe for those looking for easy recipes and satisfying healthy meals. Enjoy!