By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on July 8, 2023 | Last Updated on December 24, 2023
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is a classic Chinese dish. It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavor. This salad is perfect as an appetizer or a side dish to any meal. If you are looking for a healthy meal. try your hand at making this delicious dish.
I have the perfect guide for you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks on how to make this classic restaurant favorite. Read on for more!
What is Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is a simple Chinese salad made with cucumbers, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, white granulated sugar, mirin, and Chinese chili oil.
This dish has a light yet tangy flavor that pairs well with any meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for summer time barbecues.
What does it taste like?
This dish has a light and tangy flavor that is both sweet and spicy. The cucumbers have a crunchy texture that pairs well with garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, white granulated sugar, mirin, and Chinese chili oil.
It’s perfect for those looking for a summertime light and healthy dish.
How did I first get introduced to the Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?
I first encountered Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad when I visited one of the Din Tai Fung restaurants in California. The restaurant is known for its delicious and creative Chinese dishes, and this cucumber salad was no exception.
As soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew I had to give it a try. The salad was light yet flavorful with a subtle sweetness and a hint of spice.
The crunchy cucumbers were the perfect pairing for the garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, white granulated sugar, mirin, and Chinese chili oil. After that first taste, I was hooked!
I just had to make it at home, so I asked the chef for his recipe. I was surprised by how quick and easy it was to make, and the result was just as delicious as the one I had at Din Tai Fung!
Over time, I perfected the method and now I can share with you my recipe for Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad!
How to make Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?
Making Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is incredibly easy. gather the ingredients & follow the step-by-step instructions below and you’ll have a delicious salad on your table in no time.
You can also read the following appetizer recipes:
Ingredients
- Cucumber slices: This dish is best made with mini cucumbers, as they have a sweeter flavor and crunchier texture.
- Salt: Used to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers before tossing them in the dressing.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a nice depth of flavor to the salad.
- Soy sauce: Regular soy sauce adds a salty depth of flavor to this dish.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a slightly acidic cucumber taste that balances out the sweetness of the sugar and mirin.
- Sesame oil: Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty aroma to this dish.
- White granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to this dish.
- Mirin: Mirin is a Japanese sweet cooking wine that adds a subtle sweetness.
- Chinese chili oil: Chinese chili oil adds a spicy kick to the salad.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Slice the cucumbers into 1 cm thick pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and mix until the cucumbers are evenly coated. Let this sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers.
Step 2
In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, white granulated sugar, mirin, and Chinese chili oil.
Step 3
Drain the cucumbers and discard the excess liquid. Add the cucumbers to the dressing and mix until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onion.
Tips
– Make sure to drain the cucumbers before adding them to the dressing, as this will ensure that they don’t become soggy.
– Use mini cucumbers, as these have a sweeter flavor and crunchier texture than regular cucumbers.
– Add more chili oil if you prefer a spicier salad.
– You can omit the mirin and sugar if desired, as this will reduce the overall sweetness of the dish.
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
Ingredients
- 2 lb cucumbers sliced
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 teaspoon Kadoya sesame oil
- 4 tablespoon white rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 teaspoon salt
- 5 teaspoon brown sugar or white granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
- 1 tablespoon Chinese chili oil
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers into 1 cm thick pieces and place them in a medium bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and mix until the cucumbers are evenly coated. Let this sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, white granulated sugar, mirin, and Chinese chili oil.
- Drain the cucumbers and discard the excess liquid. Add the cucumbers to the dressing and mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onion.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 1559mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 82IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.5mg
What to serve with Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is a great side dish that pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it alongside grilled meat, fried rice, or even noodles.
If you’re looking for vegetarian options, this salad goes especially well with vegetable stir fry and dumplings.
How to store leftover Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?
Leftover Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, make sure to consume any leftovers within that time frame.
You can also freeze the salad for up to one month. To thaw, simply place the frozen salad in the refrigerator overnight.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad as long as they follow all safety precautions and consume the dish in moderation. Be sure to check with your doctor before consuming any food during pregnancy.
FAQs
Can I have this for a weight-loss diet?
Yes, this dish can be incorporated into a weight loss diet. As with any food, it is best to consume in moderation and balance it out with other healthy options.
Can I add other vegetables to the Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?
Yes! You can definitely customize this salad with any of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Feel free to get creative and make it your own.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely make this salad ahead of time. Simply store the dressed cucumbers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days before serving.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad! This light and refreshing salad is a great way to enjoy a healthy meal.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or making it as part of an Asian-inspired meal, this dish will have you coming back for more. Try it out today and let us know how you liked it!
I hope you enjoy making and eating this classic Chinese salad! Don’t forget to share it with family and friends for a delicious summertime dish.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
