Renowned for its exquisite dumplings, also offers a simple yet incredibly refreshing Din Tai Fung cucumber salad. This dish is a perfect complement to the restaurant’s savory offerings, providing a light and crisp palate cleanser. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can recreate this delightful salad at home.
Ready to elevate your dining experience? This recipe will guide you through the easy steps to prepare Din Tai Fung’s cucumber salad. From selecting the freshest cucumbers to mastering the perfect balance of flavors, this article will empower you to bring the taste of this iconic restaurant into your own kitchen.
What is Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad?
Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain, is famous for its exquisite dumplings. However, their simple yet incredibly refreshing cucumber salad has also captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. This dish is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, making it an ideal side dish or appetizer.
Inspired by Din Tai Fung’s signature recipe, this Asian cucumber salad features crisp Persian cucumbers marinated in a tangy, garlicky dressing. The key to this dish lies in its simplicity: fresh ingredients, a quick preparation time, and a flavor profile that is both comforting and invigorating.
Whether you’re a fan of Din Tai Fung or simply looking for a new, healthy recipe to add to your repertoire, this cucumber salad is sure to impress.
How to Prepare the Cucumbers
- Prep the Cucumbers: Begin by slicing the cucumbers into ½-inch rounds. Place these slices in a bowl and sprinkle them with kosher salt. Let them sit for 20-30 minutes, allowing the salt to draw out excess moisture and enhance the cucumber’s crispness.
- Rinse and Dry: After the allotted time, rinse the cucumbers thoroughly to remove the salt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Create the Dressing: While the cucumbers are drying, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, mirin, sugar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Marinate the Cucumbers: Once the cucumbers are dry, add them to the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or up to 2 days, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, arrange the marinated cucumbers on a plate. Season with additional salt to taste, and finish with a drizzle of chili oil and a sprinkle of minced Fresno chili. Serve chilled.
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad: A Nutritional Breakdown
This refreshing salad is not only delicious but also a healthy, low-calorie option. Here’s a breakdown of its key nutritional benefits:
| Nutrient | Benefit |
| Calories | Low-calorie, around 30-50 calories per serving |
| Carbohydrates | Low-carb, approximately 4-6 grams per serving |
| Water Content | High water content, keeping you hydrated |
| Healthy Fats | Contains healthy fats from sesame oil |
| Fiber | Good source of fiber from the cucumbers |
| Sugar | Minimal sugar, primarily from mirin and dressing ingredients |
| Vitamins | Provides vitamins like Vitamin K and C from cucumbers |
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe
Let’s start how to make Din Tai Fung cucumber salad!
Ingredients
For the Cucumbers:
- 8 Persian or English cucumbers, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1½ tablespoons kosher salt
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1½ tablespoons mirin
- 1½ tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving:
- ½ tablespoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
- ½ tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 Fresno chili pepper, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Cucumbers: Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss to coat and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture, ensuring crisp cucumbers.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly to remove the salt. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, mirin, sesame oil, grated garlic, and salt.
- Marinate the Cucumbers: Add the dried cucumbers to the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours, or up to 2 days for maximum flavor.
- Serve: Taste the cucumbers and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Drizzle with chili oil and sesame oil. Garnish with minced Fresno chili for an extra kick, if desired. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Salting the cucumbers before marinating helps them retain their crisp texture.
- For the best flavor, marinate the cucumbers overnight.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil to your desired level of spiciness.
- Store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of vinegar does Din Tai Fung use?
Din Tai Fung typically uses rice vinegar in their cucumber salad. This mild, slightly sweet vinegar complements the crisp cucumbers perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
How do you make cucumber salad not watery?
To prevent your cucumber salad from becoming watery, sprinkle kosher salt over the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 20-30 minutes. Rinse the cucumbers to remove the salt and pat them dry with paper towels. This salting process draws out excess moisture, resulting in a crisp and refreshing salad.
Do you peel cucumbers for salad?
Peeling cucumbers for salad is a matter of personal preference. For Persian or English cucumbers, the skin is tender and can be enjoyed. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, peeling the cucumbers is a good option.
How many carbs and calories are in a cucumber salad?
A typical serving of cucumber salad contains about 4-6 grams of carbohydrates and 30-50 calories. The exact nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and dressing used.
Is eating cucumber salad healthy?
Yes, cucumber salad is a healthy choice. It’s low in calories, hydrating, and provides essential vitamins and minerals, especially when made with fresh cucumbers and a light dressing. It’s a great option for a light, refreshing, and nutritious meal or side dish.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’ll love our Din Tai Fung-inspired cucumber salad recipe! This dish is all about simplicity and freshness. By salting the cucumbers to draw out excess moisture and marinating them in a tangy, garlicky dressing, you can achieve that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy, low-calorie meal or a refreshing side dish, this Din Tai Fung cucumber salad is an excellent choice. So why not give it a try? Share your culinary creations and feedback in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear what you think!
