Din Tai Fung Chilled Cucumber Salad

This Din Tai Fung Chilled Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful appetizer, featuring crisp cucumber slices marinated in a savory and slightly spicy dressing. It’s a delightful way to start any meal, offering a perfect balance of crunch and zest.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Utilizes readily available ingredients to create a dish bursting with flavor.​
• Quick Preparation: Requires minimal prep time, making it an easy addition to any meal.​
• Versatile: Serves as a great appetizer or side dish, complementing a variety of main courses.​
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better when allowed to marinate, making it ideal for advance preparation.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Persian cucumbers​beautifulvoyager.com+7Taste of Home+7Good Food Discoveries+7
• Kosher salt​
• Rice vinegar​Food My Muse+7Good Food Discoveries+7CJ Eats Recipes+7
• Mirin​Taste of Home+4Reddit+4Food My Muse+4
• Sugar​CJ Eats Recipes+1The Sound of Cooking+1
• Sesame oil​Good Food Discoveries+6Platings + Pairings+6beautifulvoyager.com+6
• Garlic​The Sound of Cooking
• Chili oil​Taste of Home+4CJ Eats Recipes+4Platings + Pairings+4
• Fresno chili pepper (optional)​Reddit+4The Sound of Cooking+4Platings + Pairings+4

Directions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the Persian cucumbers into ½-inch thick rounds. Place them in a bowl, sprinkle with kosher salt, and toss to combine. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 30 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry.​Good Food Discoveries+1Platings + Pairings+1
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, mirin, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves completely.​Platings + Pairings
3. Marinate the Cucumbers: Combine the dried cucumber slices with the dressing, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 2 days, to allow the flavors to meld.​
4. Serve: Arrange the marinated cucumbers on a serving plate. Drizzle with chili oil and garnish with sliced Fresno chili pepper if desired. Serve chilled.​Platings + Pairings

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4​
• Prep Time: 10 minutes​Earth And Oven – Healthy Recipes
• Marinating Time: 4 hours​
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes​

Variations

• Adjusting Spice Level: Modify the amount of chili oil and Fresno chili pepper to suit your heat preference.​
• Alternative Sweeteners: Substitute sugar with honey or a sugar alternative if desired.​
• Different Vinegars: While rice vinegar is traditional, apple cider vinegar can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.​CJ Eats Recipes

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.​
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.​

FAQs

What type of cucumbers should I use for this salad?

Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their crisp texture and minimal seeds. English cucumbers can also be used as an alternative.​

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad benefits from marinating and can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.​

Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers?

No, the skin adds texture and nutrients. However, you can peel them if you prefer a softer texture.​

How can I adjust the spice level?

Increase or decrease the amount of chili oil and Fresno chili pepper to match your desired heat level.​

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Rice vinegar is traditional, but apple cider vinegar can be used for a slightly different flavor.​

What can I serve with this cucumber salad?

It pairs well with dishes like Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts, Lamb Dumplings in Spicy Ginger Broth, or Fried Rice.​Platings + Pairings

How long should I marinate the cucumbers?

A minimum of 4 hours is recommended, but marinating up to 2 days enhances the flavor.​Platings + Pairings+1CJ Eats Recipes+1

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

While traditional recipes focus on cucumbers, adding thinly sliced radishes or carrots can provide additional texture and flavor.​

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.​

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.​Good Food Discoveries

Conclusion

This Din Tai Fung Chilled Cucumber Salad offers a delightful combination of crispness and flavor, making it an excellent appetizer or side dish. Its simple preparation and make-ahead convenience make it a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire.

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