Looking to add a refreshing and crunchy cucumber salad to your next meal? Look no further than the famous Taiwanese restaurant Din Tai Fung’s cucumber salad. This signature dish is one of their most popular side dishes, and now you can make it at home with this Din Tai Fung copycat recipe.
The Right Cucumber
Choosing the right types of cucumbers is key to making a perfect Din Tai Fung cucumber salad. You can use English cucumbers, which have a thin skin and low seed count, or Persian cucumbers, which have a high water content and crisp texture. Make sure to avoid regular cucumbers, which have a thick skin and high seed count, and can alter the texture of the salad.
Preparing the Cucumbers
Once you have selected your crisp cucumbers, it’s time to prepare them. Wash and dry the cucumbers with a paper towel to remove any excess water. Then, slice the cucumbers into thick pieces or thin slices, depending on your preference.
Removing Excess Moisture
Cucumbers have a high water content, which can make the salad too watery. To remove excess moisture, sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with a tsp of salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse the salted cucumbers with cold water and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel.
The Dressing
The dressing ingredients are simple and easy to find at most grocery stores. In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, and a hint of spice with a minced signature Fresno chili pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
Putting it All Together
In a large bowl, combine the sliced or thick pieces of cucumbers and the dressing. Mix until all the cucumbers are coated evenly with the dressing. Place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least an hour, or overnight for best results.
Serving and Enjoying
When you’re ready to serve the chilled cucumber salad, transfer it to a serving plate and garnish it with thinly sliced Fresno chili and sesame seeds. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a hot summer day. The Din Tai Fung cucumber salad is a crunchy and refreshing Asian food that you’ll love. Try serving it with my tasty Thai Basil Pork recipe!
Conclusion
Now that you have the recipe for the famous Din Tai Fung cucumber salad, you can enjoy this Michelin star restaurant dish in the comfort of your own home. With its crunchy cucumbers, signature fresco chili pepper, and delicious dressing, this salad is a must-try for any Asian food enthusiast. Try this Din Tai Fung copycat recipe and experience the taste of one of Southern California’s most popular side dishes. For more Asian-inspired recipes, such as my recipes for Guyanese Curry Chicken and Guyanese Sponge Cake, check out my blog today!