Are you looking for a quick, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful side dish to brighten up your meal? Look no further! This Taiwanese cucumber salad recipe is the perfect solution. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time, yet delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious and healthy meal on the table fast, making it an ideal addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas. Let’s dive in!
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 ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. You can use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even slices, or a sharp knife. The thinner the slices, the better they'll absorb the dressing. To remove excess water, gently salt the cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for about 10-15 minutes. This helps prevent a watery salad. After salting, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
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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). Adjust the sugar to your liking; you might prefer it slightly sweeter or more tangy.
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Combine and Marinate: Add the prepared cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to ensure all the cucumber slices are coated evenly.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste! Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Taiwanese Cucumber Salad:
- Salt and Rinse: Salting the cucumbers is essential for drawing out excess moisture, preventing a watery salad. Don't skip this step!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it to the cucumbers and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness according to your preference. This is a homemade cooking technique that allows for personalized flavor.
- Cucumber Variety: You can experiment with different types of cucumbers, but English cucumbers or Japanese cucumbers generally work best due to their thinner skin and less watery flesh.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Nutty Flavor: Toast some sesame seeds before adding them as a garnish for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Herby Twist: Experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or basil in addition to or instead of cilantro.
- Added Protein: For a more substantial side dish, add cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a refreshing and healthy side dish, relatively low in calories and high in vitamins and fiber. The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a typical serving provides approximately:
- Calories: 50-70
- Fat: 3-5g
- Protein: 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Fiber: 1-2g
This easy and delicious Taiwanese cucumber salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for any meal. It's a great example of healthy meals that are quick to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights. Enjoy!