If you have ever eaten at Din Tai Fung cucumber salad recipe, you will know that their cucumber salad strikes the ideal mix of crisp, refreshing, acidic, and somewhat fiery tastes. The appetizer wakes your taste buds and keeps you returning for more.
The favorable news is You don’t have to go to the restaurant to enjoy it this homemade one tastes exactly like the genuine one! Simple, refreshing, and irresistible, this dish has crunchy cucumbers, a little sweet and tangy dressing, a bit of garlic, and some spice.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack; ✔ Light & Refreshing.
✔ Quick & Easy: Just 10 minutes of prep; then let the tastes meld.
✔ Real Flavor: tastes exactly like the well-known cucumber salad created by Din Tai Fung.
✔ Customizable: To suit your taste, change the tanginess, sweetener, or spice level.
Couples Well with Everything. A fantastic side for dumplings, noodles, or stir-fry!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this crisp and delicious cucumber salad:
For the Cucumbers:
- Persian Cucumbers (4 or 2 English) are crunchy, reviving, and ideal for soaking in the tastes.
- One teaspoon of salt helps draw out moisture, improving the texture.
For the dressing:
- One tablespoon of sugar adds a subdued sweetness.
- One tablespoon of rice vinegar gives a strong, sour kick.
- One tablespoon of soy sauce brings a little savory umami.
- Sesame Oil (1 tsp) : Adds nutty richness and smell.
- One tsp of minced garlic gives the meal a strong taste.
- Chili Oil (1 tsp, optional) ; Taste-adjustable for a hot kick.
- ½ tsp white pepper brings a warm, somewhat earthy spice.
For the garnish:
- Toast one tsp of sesame seeds for a delicate, nutty taste.
- For a fresh, vivid finish, chop one tablespoon of green onions.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
For another refreshing salad idea, check out this Chick-fil-A Kale Salad Recipe.
How to Make Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
First step: get ready the cucumbers.
Sort and cut cucumbers into ½-inch thick rounds.
Toss with salt; let them sit for fifteen to twenty minutes to release extra moisture.
Under cool water, rinse the cucumbers; then, pat dry with a paper towel.
The second step is dressing.
Whisk sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, chili oil—if using—and white pepper in a small bowl.
Step 3: Marinate the Cucumbers
Add the prepared cucumbers to the dressing and toss until completely covered.
Cover and chill for at least half an hour to let the flavors meld.
Fourth step: garnish and serve.
Sprinkles chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Serve cold, and enjoy!
Pair this salad with crispy buffalo wings for a perfect contrast of flavors!
Advice on Perfect Cucumber Salads
✔ Use Persian or English Cucumbers; they have a crisp texture, thinner skins, and fewer seeds.
✔ Let the cucumbers rest with salt; this helps them lose moisture, enhancing their crunch.
✔ Change the Spice Level: Add more or less chili oil, depending on your taste.
✔ Marinate Longer for More Flavor – 30 minutes is great, but overnight is even better!
✔ Toast Your Sesame Seeds – Lightly toast them on a dry pan for additional taste.
How to Present & Match Cucumber Salad
🥟 With Dumplings : The ideal cool contrast to steamed or pan-fried dumples.
🍜 With Noodles : A fantastic side for Dan Dan noodles or ramen.
🍛 Perfect with beef stir-fry, teriyaki chicken, or garlicky prawns, Stir-Fry pairs nicely.
As a Side Dish : Serve alongside rice, grilled meats, or even sushi.
For more crunch, toss crushed peanuts or crispy shallots.
Make Ahead and Organization and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerated in an airtight container, keep for up to three days.
The cucumbers will continue to absorb the dressing, making them even more flavorful!
Freezing:
Not advised—the cucumbers will lose their crispness upon thawing.
Frequencies of Ask Questions
Can I make use of ordinary cucumbers?
Indeed, but for optimal texture, remove the seeds and peel the skin.
How do I make it spicier?
Add more chile oil, red pepper flakes, or fresh chopped chilies.
Instead of rice vinegar, what else might I use?
Although rice vinegar tastes most authentically, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar works.
What length of time should the cucumbers be marinated?
At least thirty minutes, but let them sit overnight for a stronger taste.
Conclusion
Crunchy, reviving, and bursting with Flavor, this Din Tai Fung-style Cucumber Salad serves cucumbers as a snack, side dish, or starter; it’s a basic yet tempting approach to enjoy them.
Make it today and let your kitchen taste Taiwan! 🥒✨.
Happy and enjoyable cooking! 😊
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Persian or English cucumbers cut into thick slices
- 1 tsp salt for draining cucumbers
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes optional, for spice
- 1/2 tsp white pepper optional
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Slice cucumbers into thick rounds or slightly smashed chunks.
- Toss with salt and let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Rinse and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, mix garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chili flakes, and white pepper.
- Step 3: Combine & Chill
- Toss cucumbers with the dressing until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve chilled.
Notes
Make it spicy! Add sliced red chilies or a dash of chili oil.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.