Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe: A Flavorful and Healthy Snack You’ll Love

Welcome to a fresh take on the famous Din Tai Fung cucumber Recipe. This crisp and tangy dish is beloved worldwide for its vibrant flavors and perfect balance of garlic, soy, and a hint of spice. Whether you’re a fan of Din Tai Fung’s authentic Taiwanese flavors or simply looking to try something new, this recipe will guide you through recreating this delightful appetizer at home. Simple yet packed with taste, this cucumber salad is a refreshing addition to any meal and is sure to impress family and friends alike!

Din Tai Fung, a popular Taiwanese restaurant known worldwide for its exquisite dumplings and small plates, is beloved for many menu items. One standout dish is the Din Tai Fung cucumber salad, a refreshing and light appetizer that perfectly balances the flavors of garlic, soy, vinegar, and a hint of chili. Recreating this dish at home is easier than you might think, and with fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can serve up this crisp and delicious cucumber salad.

Recipe Summary

This recipe delivers a crunchy, refreshing cucumber salad packed with bold flavors. The marinade combines soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, sugar, and a touch of chili oil, infusing the cucumber slices with a balanced taste of sweetness, saltiness, and spice. The salad is best served chilled, making it an ideal side dish for Asian-inspired meals.

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Marinating time: 1-2 hours
• Total time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

What is Din Tai Fung?

Din Tai Fung is an internationally renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain famous for its steamed dumplings and authentic small plates. Founded in 1972, the restaurant has established a global presence with locations worldwide, celebrated for its meticulous preparation techniques, high-quality ingredients, and commitment to authentic flavors. The cucumber salad at Din Tai Fung reflects the brand’s philosophy of creating simple, balanced dishes that complement their intricate dumplings and mains.

Ingredients

Below I have listed the exact Ingredients needed to prepare the Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe:

• 2 large cucumbers (preferably Japanese or Persian for crunch)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

Below I have listed the exact equipment needed to prepare the Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe:

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Whisk or spoon for stirring
• Plastic wrap or lid for covering
• Serving dish

How to Make Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

1. Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly.
2. Cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches long. You can either slice them into rounds or quarter them lengthwise.
3. Place the cucumber pieces in a bowl and sprinkle with salt, tossing gently. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps remove excess water, keeping them crunchy.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and chili oil.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Toss and Marinate

1. Drain any liquid from the salted cucumbers and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. Add the cucumber pieces to the marinade and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Serve

1. Before serving, give the cucumbers a quick stir and transfer them to a serving dish.
2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro if desired, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe makes a fantastic appetizer or side dish for many Asian-inspired meals, including:

• Dumplings or Dim Sum: The light and refreshing salad complements the rich and savory flavors of dumplings.
• Noodles: Serve alongside stir-fried noodles or cold noodle salads for a complete, balanced meal.
• Grilled Meat or Fish: The salad’s tangy and slightly spicy flavors pair well with grilled or roasted meats and seafood.
• Rice Dishes: Add a bit of brightness to rice bowls or fried rice with this crisp cucumber side.

Storage Techniques

Below I have listed the exact Storage Techniques needed to prepare the Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, note that the cucumbers will lose some of their crunch the longer they sit in the marinade.
• Do Not Freeze: Due to the high water content of cucumbers, freezing will change their texture and make them mushy.

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Cucumbers: Japanese or Persian cucumbers work best, as they have fewer seeds and stay crunchy.
• Balance the Flavor: Adjust the amount of garlic, sugar, and chili oil based on your personal preference. Taste the marinade before adding the cucumbers to ensure the right balance.
• Avoid Over-Marinating: Marinating for more than 2 hours can cause the cucumbers to soften. If you prefer a crunchier texture, marinate for 1 hour only.
• Drain Excess Water: Salting the cucumbers initially helps remove excess moisture, preventing a watery salad.

Health Benefits

This Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe not only tastes amazing but also offers several health benefits:

• Low in Calories: Cucumbers are low-calorie, making this salad a great choice for those watching their calorie intake.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Cucumbers contain antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce inflammation.
• Hydrating: With their high water content, cucumbers aid in hydration and are especially refreshing in warmer weather.
• Good Source of Fiber: Cucumbers are a natural source of fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to keep you full.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 220 mg

History and Origin

The Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe served at Din Tai Fung reflects traditional Chinese cuisine’s approach to cold appetizers. This style of salad, marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, is commonly found in Chinese households and restaurants. Din Tai Fung has elevated this dish to international acclaim, combining classic Asian flavors with the restaurant’s signature attention to detail and quality. The simple yet flavorful salad has become a favorite, appreciated by diners worldwide for its refreshing taste and crisp texture.

Wrapping Up

Recreating Din Tai Fung cucumber salad at home is a rewarding experience that captures the restaurant’s unique flavors in a straightforward recipe. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, serving as the perfect appetizer or side dish for a variety of meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a quiet meal, this cucumber salad brings a touch of Taiwanese culinary magic to the table.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use English cucumbers instead of Japanese or Persian cucumbers?
Yes, English cucumbers can be used, but they have more seeds and higher water content. If using them, consider removing some seeds and salting them longer to remove excess moisture.

2. Can I make this cucumber salad in advance?
You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance, but it’s best to serve it the same day. Extended marination may soften the cucumbers.

3. Is there a way to make this salad less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce or omit the chili oil to make a milder version of the salad.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Certainly! Thinly sliced radishes or carrots add extra crunch and color to the salad.

5. What is the best way to keep cucumbers crunchy in the salad?
Salt the cucumbers first to remove excess water, then pat them dry before marinating. This technique helps maintain their crunch.