Asian Cucumber Salad

Discovering the Asian Cucumber Salad

Picture yourself in a bustling Asian street market. The air is rich with the aroma of spices and fresh produce. Your senses are drawn to one stall in particular, where a vibrant, fresh dish catches your eye. This is your introduction to the authentic Asian Cucumber Salad - a perfect blend of crisp cucumber slices, tossed in a tantalizing dressing and sprinkled with a hearty garnish.

Ingredients Unveiled

For a flawless Asian Cucumber Salad, here's the list of ingredients you'll need:

• Cucumbers: 400-500 grams (2 cucumbers)
• Sugar: 1.5 tsp (7 grams)
• Minced Garlic: 3 tsp (9 grams)
• Soy Sauce: 3 tsp (15 ml)
• Black Vinegar: 1 tsp (5 ml)
• Sesame Oil: 1 tsp (5 ml)
• Sesame Seeds: to taste
• Green Onions: to taste

Unraveling the Cooking Process

1. Begin by slicing the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. For added flair, lightly smashing them beforehand can lend a pleasing texture.
2. Marinate the cucumber slices in sugar for a hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
3. Next, whip up a dressing using minced garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, and sesame oil. This blend gives the salad its iconic taste, bursting with flavor in every bite.
4. Toss the cucumbers in the dressing ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
5. Garnish your salad with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a dash of finely chopped green onions. Voila! Your Asian Cucumber Salad is ready to savor.
6. Nutritional Profile of Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad isn't just a flavor carnival, it's also a nutritional powerhouse. For an approximately 150-gram serving, it provides:

• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Proteins: 1g
• Fats: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4g

These numbers show that our Asian Cucumber Salad is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich option, perfect for anyone mindful of their diet.

The Perfect Pairings

Serve this Asian Cucumber Salad alongside grilled meats, steamed rice, or noodles for a balanced, wholesome meal. Its fresh, crisp taste is the perfect complement to heavier dishes, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

Clever Substitutes

Can't find black vinegar? Don't fret! A great alternative is balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar. In the absence of sesame oil, you can use a light olive oil with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a similar flavor profile.

Enhancing Your Asian Cucumber Salad Experience

• Smashing the cucumbers before slicing helps them absorb the dressing better, resulting in a flavor-packed bite.
• Refrigerating the salad for a few hours before serving will also intensify the flavors and make it extra refreshing.
• Garnish and spice the dish up with some fresh coriander leaves and green onions.

Stirring Curiosity - FAQs

What other vegetables can I add to my Asian Cucumber Salad?

Radishes, bell peppers, and red onions all make great additions, offering extra crunch and color.

Can I make the salad in advance?

Yes! In fact, the flavors deepen if you allow it to sit for a few hours before serving.

Can I use regular vinegar if I don't have black vinegar?

While black vinegar provides a unique flavor, you can substitute it