Cucumber Salad Recipe Din Tai Fung​

Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe

This Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that features marinated cucumbers in a delicious soy-based dressing. It’s a perfect side dish to accompany any meal, especially Asian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Persian or English cucumbers (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
• ½ tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ tbsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic (grated or minced)
• ½ tbsp chili oil (adjust for spice preference)
• ½ tbsp sesame oil

Instructions

Prepare the Cucumbers:

• Slice the cucumbers into ½-inch rounds and place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process helps draw out excess moisture.

Rinse and Dry:

• After 30 minutes, rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they are as dry as possible.

Make the Dressing:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, grated garlic, chili oil, and sesame oil until well combined.

Combine:

• Add the dried cucumbers to the dressing and mix well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly.

Marinate:

• Let the cucumbers marinate in the dressing for at least 10 minutes before serving. For best flavor, allow them to marinate longer (up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator.

Serve:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer.

Tips

• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your preferred spice level.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding chopped cilantro or green onions for extra flavor.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What Are Some Variations of the Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?

You can try several variations of the Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad:

• Add Other Vegetables: Include sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color.
• Use Different Cucumbers: Substitute Persian cucumbers with English cucumbers or even Japanese cucumbers for a different texture.
• Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Add chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness.
• Spicy Variations: Use different types of chili oil or fresh chilies like jalapeños for varying heat levels.

Can I Use a Different Type of Vinegar Instead of Rice Vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with other types of vinegar:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers a fruity flavor that can complement the salad well.
• White Wine Vinegar: Provides a milder taste and works well in dressings.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a slightly bolder flavor profile.

How Can I Make the Salad Less Spicy?

To reduce the spiciness of the salad:

• Reduce Chili Oil: Use less chili oil or omit it entirely.
• Skip Fresh Chilies: Avoid adding fresh chilies like Fresno peppers or jalapeños.
• Add More Cucumbers: Increase the quantity of cucumbers to dilute the heat from the dressing.

What Other Dishes Pair Well with the Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?

This cucumber salad pairs well with various dishes, including:

• Dumplings: Such as steamed or fried dumplings for a complete meal.
• Noodle Dishes: Like lo mein or cold sesame noodles.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: A side of sautéed greens or mixed vegetables.
• Rice Dishes: Serve alongside fried rice or jasmine rice.

Can I Prepare the Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time:

• Marinate in Advance: The cucumbers can be marinated for several hours (up to 2 days) in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
• Storage: Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Just give it a good stir before serving.

These tips will help you customize your Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad and enjoy it in various ways! Enjoy your culinary adventures!

This Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is not only easy to make but also incredibly refreshing and perfect for warm weather! Enjoy!