Cucumber salad

cucumber_salad

The Chinese Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish with a light and tangy taste, perfect for a hot summer day. It is one of the most popular dishes in Chinese cuisine, and it is served alongside other dishes in family meals and banquets.

Cucumber has always been a staple ingredient in many Chinese dishes, and it is not just because of its taste. Cucumbers have a cooling effect on the body, and they are high in water content and nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. This makes them a perfect ingredient for salads and other light dishes.

In addition to the cucumber, another crucial ingredient in the Chinese Cucumber Salad is rice vinegar. Rice vinegar is a key component in Chinese cooking, as it contributes a distinct sour taste to dishes. It is made from fermented rice and is milder in taste than other types of vinegar. The combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a simple yet mouthwatering dressing for the salad.

The salad is easy to prepare, and it requires only a few ingredients. First, the cucumber needs to be washed, peeled, and sliced thinly. Then, it needs to be sprinkled with salt and left to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to draw out any excess water from the vegetable and, in turn, gives it a better texture. After that, the cucumbers are rinsed and drained.

Once the cucumbers are prepped, the dressing is prepared by mixing rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a bowl. The dressing is then poured over the cucumbers, and the salad is tossed to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed.

Chinese Cucumber Salad is versatile and can be customized to suit individual tastes. Some may prefer to add red pepper flakes or garlic to the dressing to give it a little bit of heat or flavor. Others may add shredded carrots or radish for extra crunch and color.

Aside from its nutrition and taste, the Chinese Cucumber Salad is known for its cooling effect on the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that cucumbers have cooling properties that help to balance the body’s internal heat. This is especially important during the hot summer months when people tend to consume more spicy and fried foods that can create excess heat in the body. Consuming cooling food like cucumbers can help to neutralize this heat and maintain a healthy body balance.

In conclusion, the Chinese Cucumber Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. It is healthy, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish or as a standalone meal, this cucumber salad is sure to be a hit. So, grab a few cucumbers, some rice vinegar, and other ingredients, and get ready to make a mouthwatering Chinese Cucumber Salad.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium sized cucumbers, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Slice the cucumbers into thin pieces and put them in a bowl.

  2. Sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers, mix well and let stand for 10 minutes.

  3. Drain off the water that accumulates in the bowl.

  4. In a separate bowl, mix garlic, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar

  5. Pour the mixture over the cucumbers and mix well.

  6. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Enjoy your Chinese Cucumber Salad!