Description
This refreshing Chinese cucumber cold dish combines crunchy cucumbers with a flavorful dressing of garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of chili for a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy notes. Garnished with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, and fresh cilantro, it is an easy-to-make appetizer or side dish that is ideal for warm days or as a palate cleanser.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
Garnish
- Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove any moisture.
- Create striped skin pattern: Using a knife or vegetable peeler, carefully remove the skin in alternating strips around the cucumbers, creating an attractive striped pattern.
- Slice cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers into thin rounds or julienne strips according to your preference and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili oil if using, ensuring the sugar dissolves.
- Toss cucumbers with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the sliced cucumbers and gently toss to coat evenly without bruising the cucumbers.
- Add sesame seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the cucumbers and toss once more to distribute them throughout the salad.
- Garnish: Transfer the dressed cucumber salad to a serving dish and garnish with thinly sliced green onions and chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve or chill: Serve immediately for maximum crunch and freshness or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- This dish is best served chilled but can be eaten immediately.
- Optional chili oil adds a mild heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Use English cucumbers for less bitterness and fewer seeds.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant to enhance flavor.
- For a vegan option, ensure the soy sauce used is free of any animal products.
