Chinese Cucumber Salad Recipe – Chinese Special
Chinese cucumber salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s often served as a side dish or appetizer and features a tangy and slightly spicy dressing.
- Prep Time5 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Total Time15 min
Chinese Cucumber Salad Ingredients :
- 2 large cucumbers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar(adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes(or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds(optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Prepare the Cucumbers:
Wash and Peel: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra crunch and color.
Slice or Cut: Cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. You can slice them into rounds or cut them into half-moons, depending on your preference.
Salt the Cucumbers:
Sprinkle with Salt: Place the cucumber pieces in a colander or large bowl and sprinkle with a bit of salt. This helps to draw out excess moisture and makes the cucumbers more flavorful.
Let Sit: Allow the salted cucumbers to sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will make them more crunchy and will help them absorb the dressing better.
Rinse and Drain: Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Prepare the Dressing:
Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the sugar and red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences.
Mix Well: Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.
Toss the Salad:
Combine Cucumber and Dressing: Place the drained cucumbers in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers.
Toss Gently: Toss the cucumbers gently to coat them evenly with the dressing.
Garnish and Serve:
Add Garnishes: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top of the salad.
Chill (Optional): You can serve the salad immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve:
Dish Out: Serve the cucumber salad as a side dish or appetizer. It’s great with various Chinese dishes or as a light, refreshing snack.
Recipe Notes :
Crunch Factor: For extra crunch, you can use a method called “smashing” the cucumbers before slicing. Place the cucumber on a cutting board and use the flat side of a knife to gently smash it. This will break up the cucumber slightly and create more surface area for the dressing to adhere to.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, ginger, or red pepper flakes according to your taste preferences. You can also add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of chili powder for a different flavor profile.
