Hello, foodies! Do you love the cucumbers at Din Tai Fung? I do! Today, we’re making them at home. This din tai fung cucumber recipe is simple and tasty. It’s not just any cucumber salad. It’s crunchy, tangy, and a little spicy. Let’s make something amazing!
Why This Recipe is Special
Let’s see why this recipe is so good. It’s more than just cucumbers and dressing. It’s a perfect blend of simple things. This makes it refreshing and flavorful. We need to see what makes this recipe special, and how to make it just right.
The Key to Crunch
The crunch is very important for this dish. It’s what makes it so unique. We’ll prepare the cucumbers a special way to make them crispy. This will make sure every bite is good!
The Perfect Marinade
The marinade is magic! It makes the cucumbers taste so good. We’ll use simple ingredients to create a marinade that’s both tasty and refreshing. The flavours will mix well, and create the perfect outcome.
What You’ll Need
Okay, let’s get ready. We need to have all the ingredients before we start. This recipe uses simple things. They make the flavour amazing. Having everything ready will make it easy! Let’s see what we need.
The Main Cucumbers
We need fresh cucumbers. Choose firm, green cucumbers. They should be about 2-3 medium-sized. Make sure they are fresh, so your dish will be the best it can be.
The Marinade
Here’s what you need for the marinade:
- Soy Sauce: Use about 3 tablespoons of good soy sauce, for great flavour.
- Rice Vinegar: You’ll need about 2 tablespoons to make it tangy.
- Sesame Oil: Use 1 tablespoon to add a nutty taste.
- Garlic: You need 2-3 minced garlic cloves for flavour.
- Chili Oil: Use 1 teaspoon for a bit of spice. Use more if you like it spicy.
- Sugar: Use about 1 teaspoon to balance the other flavours.
These ingredients will make the marinade taste so good!
Here is a table of all the ingredients you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Cucumbers | 2-3 medium |
| Soy Sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Rice Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic, minced | 2-3 cloves |
| Chili Oil | 1 teaspoon (or more to taste) |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
How to Make the Cucumbers
Okay, let’s start cooking! It’s a simple process. I’ll guide you through each step, to make this din tai fung cucumber recipe a success for you!
Step 1: Get the Cucumbers Ready
First, wash the cucumbers. Cut off the ends. Then, slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Put the slices in a colander. Sprinkle them with about 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix them with your hands. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This will help make them crunchy. Rinse them well. Then dry them with paper towels before you marinate them.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
While the cucumbers rest, let’s make the marinade. Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, chili oil, and sugar in a bowl. Mix until everything is well combined, and that the sugar dissolves. That is an important step to ensure that the marinade is perfect for the final step.
Step 3: Marinate and Serve
Put the cucumber slices into the marinade. Mix everything to coat the cucumbers well. Let them marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes or more, or up to an hour. This makes the flavour better! Serve it chilled for the best taste and texture.
Here is a table of macronutrients for this recipe (approximate, per serving, assuming the recipe makes 6 servings):
| Macronutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 50-70 |
| Protein | Approx. 1-2 g |
| Fat | Approx. 3-5 g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 5-8 g |
What If Things Go Wrong?
Sometimes problems happen. But, don’t worry! Here are some common issues and how to fix them. This will ensure your din tai fung cucumber recipe turns out perfectly every time!
Not Crunchy?
If the cucumbers aren’t crunchy, be sure to salt them first, and let them rest before adding the marinade, to remove extra moisture. Also, be sure to dry them well. You can also try slicing them thinner, as this helps.
Too Salty?
If the marinade is too salty, you can dilute it a bit, with more rice vinegar, or a small amount of water. Next time, use low sodium soy sauce, or try less soy sauce, and increase other ingredients instead. Taste and adjust.
Too Spicy?
If the marinade is too spicy, you can add more sugar or rice vinegar. You can also add a little sesame oil to help mellow out the flavour. Next time, try using less chili oil. You can use a milder chili oil, or adjust the amounts.
Make it Your Own
Your cucumbers are already great. But you can try new things! Here are some ideas to personalize your din tai fung cucumber recipe:
Add More Flavors
Add other aromatics to make them even better:
- Add chopped ginger for a different spice.
- Add sesame seeds for a nutty taste.
- Add fresh cilantro or scallions for freshness.
Try it and see what you like best!
Change the Sweetness and Spice
Change the spice and sweetness to suit your taste. If you want it sweeter, add honey or more sugar. If you like it spicy, add more chili oil, or red pepper flakes. Taste as you go, to make sure it meets your needs.
Add a Tangy Touch
A bit of acid is essential! Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime for a tangy taste. This will help to balance all the other flavours, and make it extra refreshing.
Serving Time
Your cucumbers are ready! Here’s how to serve them best, and get the most out of them. They will make a great addition to many different meals! Let’s see what will work best for you!
How to Enjoy
Here are some ideas of when to serve them:
- As a Side Dish: It’s perfect with any Asian dishes. Try it with our Ground Beef Meatloaf recipe.
- As an Appetizer: It’s great for quick snacks and parties. You can try our Churu Chicken Amarillo recipe if you want a soup option.
- As a Snack: This is a perfect snack if you want something refreshing. It is light and good for you. You can also try it alongside our Pork Con Tiki recipe.
- With Your Meals: It goes well with any meal. You can add it to any meal, and it will add a fresh and unique touch. Our Cucumber Berry Basil Smoothie is a great drink, and you can also try our Cupcakes recipe for a sweet treat.
Feel free to experiment, and see what works best for you!
Common Questions
You might have a few questions. Here are some frequently asked questions:
Can I Make it Ahead?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavor will get better, but it’s best served fresh.
How Long Will it Last?
These cucumbers will last up to 24 hours in the fridge. Make sure they are in a sealed container. The texture might change over time. So, eat them as soon as you can.
Fresh or Dried Spices?
Fresh ginger and garlic are best. But you can use dried if needed. Dried spices have a stronger flavour. Use less if you do not have fresh produce.
Enjoy Your Dish
That’s it! You now know how to make din tai fung cucumber recipe! It’s a simple side dish, that’s refreshing and tasty. Go on, make this recipe and enjoy the flavours. Check out Taiwan Starts Here to learn more. You can also find other great Asian recipes at Serious Eats. Have fun cooking!