din tai fung cucumber salad recipe
Learn how to make the perfect Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad with this easy recipe.A refreshing, flavorful side dish that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Choosing the Right Cucumbers
- Soy Sauce: Provides a salty umami base.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity and balances the flavors.
- Sugar: Imparts sweetness to counteract the saltiness.
- Garlic: Offers a pungent aroma and depth.
- Chili Oil: Introduces a mild heat and enhances the dressings complexity.
- Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty flavor that enriches the overall taste.
- These ingredients come together to create a harmonious dressing that complements the cucumbers perfectly.
- Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- To elevate the salad's flavor and presentation consider adding:
- Chili Flakes: For an extra kick of heat.
- Sesame Seeds: To add a crunchy texture.
- Green Onions: For a fresh mild onion flavor.
- Red Bell Peppers: To introduce a sweet and colorful contrast.
- These additions not only enhance the taste but also make the dish more visually appealing.
Instructions
Step-by-Step
Preparing the Cucumbers
- Wash and Slice: Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat evenly. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Rinse and Dry: After the resting period, rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Making the Dressing
- Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, chili oil, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more sugar for sweetness or chili oil for heat.
Assembling the Salad
- Combine Cucumbers and Dressing: In a large bowl, add the prepared cucumbers and pour the dressing over them. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are well-coated.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for more intense flavor.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with optional add-ins like chili flakes, sesame seeds, or green onions.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Potassium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamin A: 4% of the daily value
- Vitamin C: 15% of the daily value
- Calcium: 2% of the daily value
- Iron: 2% of the daily value