Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe: A Refreshing and Flavorful Delight
Din Tai Fung cucumber salad Recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that has won the hearts of food lovers worldwide. This refreshing appetizer, known for its crisp texture and perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors, is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of Din Tai Fung or just looking for a delicious, healthy side dish, this recipe will help you recreate the magic at home.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Din Tai Fung cucumber salad recipe step by step, discuss its ingredients, calories, and nutrition, and offer tips for the best results. Let’s dive in!
What is Din Tai Fung’s Cucumber Salad?
Din Tai Fung’s cucumber salad is a Taiwanese-style cold appetizer featuring crunchy cucumbers marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and chili oil. It’s a perfect starter, pairing well with dumplings, noodles, and other Asian dishes. The simplicity of the dish allows the freshness of the cucumbers to shine, making it both refreshing and satisfying.
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Ingredients
To replicate the authentic Din Tai Fung cucumber salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 Persian or Japanese cucumbers (small, seedless cucumbers work best)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for removing excess moisture)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili oil (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh cilantro or scallions (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions & Variations:
- For a milder version, reduce the chili oil and red pepper flakes.
- For extra umami, add a dash of fish sauce.
- For a tangier taste, increase the rice vinegar slightly.
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly.
- Cut off the ends and slice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces (about ½-inch thick rounds or diagonal slices).
- Toss the cucumber slices with 1 teaspoon of salt and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Rinse off the salt and pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, and minced garlic.
- Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Marinate the Cucumbers
- Place the cucumber slices in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour for the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and red pepper flakes over the cucumbers.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Calories & Nutrition
This cucumber salad is not only delicious but also healthy and low in calories. Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: ~50 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: ~300mg (varies based on soy sauce brand)
Health Benefits of This Salad
- Low in Calories: Ideal for weight-conscious individuals.
- Rich in Hydration: Cucumbers are made up of over 90% water.
- Gut-Friendly: Contains vinegar, which aids digestion.
- Packed with Antioxidants: Garlic and sesame seeds provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
Variations of Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a teaspoon of honey to balance heat with sweetness.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Increase the amount of garlic for a stronger kick.
- Extra Crunchy: Add chopped peanuts or crushed sesame seeds for more texture.
- Keto-Friendly Option: Replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.
- Asian Fusion: Add shredded carrots and bell peppers for a colorful twist.
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Din Tai Fung Spicy Cucumber salad recipe
Din Tai Fung’s racy cucumber dish is a stimulating yet scrumptious appetizer that impeccably balances heat, tang, and crunch. This simple yet addicting form features crisp cucumbers marinated in a racy, garlicky, and slightly sweet sauce, making it a must- try for spice suckers.
Ingredients:
- 2 Persian or English cucumbers
- 1 tsp swab
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp rice ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil painting
- 1 tbsp chili oil painting( acclimate to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic( diced)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp heated sesame seeds Instructions
Instructions
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy this scrumptious, eatery- style racy cucumber salad as a side dish or appetizer!
- Slice cucumbers into bite- sized pieces and sprinkle with swab. Let them sit for 15 twinkles to draw out redundant humidity.
- wash and stroke dry, also place them in a coliseum.
- In a small coliseum, blend sugar, rice ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil painting, chili oil painting, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the cucumbers and mix well.
- Let it marinate for at least 30 twinkles in the fridge.
- Now make it more attractive with sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for the Best Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers – Persian or Japanese cucumbers work best due to their crisp texture and minimal seeds.
- Salt the cucumbers properly – This step removes excess water, making the salad crunchier.
- Chill before serving – Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Adjust spice levels – Add or reduce chili oil and red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- Serve fresh – While the salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, it’s best enjoyed the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, serve it within 24 hours.
2. What type of cucumbers should I use?
Persian or Japanese cucumbers are best due to their crisp texture and mild flavor. Avoid large cucumbers with too many seeds.
3. How spicy is this salad?
The spice level is adjustable! Reduce or omit the chili oil and red pepper flakes for a milder version.
4. Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
Rice vinegar provides the best authentic flavor, but you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch.
External links for more info:
Conclusion
The Din Tai Fung cucumber salad recipe is an easy, delicious, and refreshing appetizer that pairs beautifully with various dishes. With just a handful of ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home while enjoying its crunchy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors.
Whether you’re a food blogger, a digital marketer looking for engaging content, or a home cook wanting to expand your culinary skills, this Din Tai Fung cucumber salad is a must-try! Experiment with the spice levels, serve it alongside your favorite Asian meals, and enjoy a taste of Din Tai Fung in your own kitchen.
Ready to try it? Share your experience in the comments and let us know how you customized your cucumber salad!
