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Din Tai Fung cucumber recipe

sandra
Discover the delicious Din Tai Fung cucumber recipe a refreshing, spicy side dish that's easy to make and perfect for any meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Taiwanese
Servings 4 peoples
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Persian Cucumbers (4-5 medium-sized): These cucumbers are ideal for this salad due to their thin skin, mild flavor, and crunchy texture. They’re less watery than regular cucumbers, making them perfect for marinating without getting soggy.

Chili Oil (2 tablespoons): This is what adds that signature spice and warmth to the salad. If you prefer less heat, feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste.

Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the salad. Sesame oil is a key component in many Asian dishes and complements the cucumbers beautifully.

Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons): A mild, slightly sweet vinegar that balances the flavors in the salad. It gives the dressing the perfect tang without overpowering the other ingredients.

Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): For a touch of umami, soy sauce deepens the flavor profile of the dressing and complements the cucumbers' crisp texture.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A small but powerful ingredient that brings extra depth of flavor to the salad.

Fresno Chili Pepper (1, thinly sliced): Adds a fresh, slightly sweet heat to the salad. You can adjust this depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.

Sugar (1 teaspoon): A pinch of sweetness helps balance the acidity from the vinegar and the heat from the chili oil.

Salt (to taste): A small pinch to help draw out moisture from the cucumbers and enhance the overall flavor.

Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Optional, but they add a nice crunch and a bit of visual appeal to your finished dish.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

  • Start by washing your Persian cucumbers thoroughly. Cut off both ends, then slice them into thin rounds, about ¼-inch thick. If you prefer, you can slice the cucumbers at a slight angle for a more elegant presentation. Place the cucumber slices in a large bowl.

Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers

  • Lightly dust the cucumber slices with a pinch of salt. Gently toss the cucumbers to ensure they are evenly coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, preventing the salad from becoming soggy once mixed with the dressing.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

  • While the cucumbers are resting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, and sugar. Add the minced garlic and Fresno chili pepper slices to the bowl, and mix well until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Toss the Cucumbers

  • After 10 minutes, you should notice some moisture at the bottom of the bowl. Use a clean towel or paper towels to blot the cucumbers dry, removing any excess liquid. Once dry, transfer the cucumbers to a large mixing bowl, and pour the dressing over them. Toss the cucumbers and dressing together until the cucumbers are evenly coated.

Step 5: Let It Marinate

  • For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This will give the cucumbers time to absorb the flavors of the dressing. If you have the time, letting it sit for an hour or even overnight will intensify the flavors even more.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  • Before serving, give the salad one last toss to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed. Transfer the Din Tai Fung cucumber salad to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve chilled as an appetizer, side dish, or alongside your favorite Asian dishes like dumplings or noodle dishes.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Carbs: 8g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Sugar: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Potassium: 200mg
  • Vitamin A: 4% of the Daily Value
  • Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value
  • Calcium: 2% of the Daily Value
  • Iron: 4% of the Daily Value
Keyword Din Tai Fung cucumber recipe