Chinese Cuisine

Chinese Cucumber Salad Recipe – Chinese Special

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Chinese Cucumber Salad Recipe – Chinese Special

This Chinese cucumber salad is a delightful blend of crunchy cucumbers, aromatic garlic, and zesty ginger, all tossed in a savory-sweet dressing. The addition of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil infuses the salad with authentic flavors, making it a refreshing side dish or appetizer. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite Chinese meal or enjoying it on its own, this salad offers a burst of taste in every bite.

  • 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:

1

Wash and Peel: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra crunch and color.

2

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:

3

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.

4

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.

5

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:

6

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.

7

Mix Well: Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.

Toss the Salad:

8

Combine Cucumber and Dressing: Place the drained cucumbers in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers.

9

Toss Gently: Toss the cucumbers gently to coat them evenly with the dressing.

Garnish and Serve:

10

Add Garnishes: If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top of the salad.

11

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:

12

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 :

Cucumber Preparation: For added crunch, leave the cucumber skin on. If you prefer a milder flavor, peel the cucumbers before slicing.

Salting Cucumbers: Salting the cucumbers before mixing helps draw out excess moisture, enhancing the salad’s texture. After 15–20 minutes, rinse and pat dry to remove excess salt.

Adjusting Spice Level: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with dishes like dumplings, spring rolls, or grilled meats.

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors may intensify over time.

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