Crispy and Flavorful Cucumbers with Fish Sauce
Is it a Cucumber Salad? Is it Stuffed Cucumbers? The Ultimate Umami-Rich Fish Sauce Cucumber Salad!
You’ve never had a cucumber salad like this before! Introducing a special fish sauce cucumber salad that requires less effort than stuffed cucumbers (oi sobagi) but tastes just as amazing. With cucumbers readily available and affordable, why not try this simple yet delicious recipe? It’s perfect for a quick side dish that’s both refreshing and packed with flavor. Forget about lengthy preparations; this recipe is a game-changer for your summer meals!
Main Ingredients- 4 fresh cucumbers
- 1 bunch of chives
- 1 large green onion
- A small amount of carrot for color
Flavorful Seasoning Mix- 30g red pepper flakes (approx. 3-4 Tbsp)
- 30g sugar (approx. 2-3 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (for umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp grated ginger or ginger powder
- 25g coarse sea salt (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- 30g red pepper flakes (approx. 3-4 Tbsp)
- 30g sugar (approx. 2-3 Tbsp)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (for umami)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp grated ginger or ginger powder
- 25g coarse sea salt (approx. 2 Tbsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the cucumbers. Trim off the ends, then cut them lengthwise into quarters. Afterward, chop these quarters into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Step 2
Place the cut cucumbers in a large bowl. Sprinkle them evenly with 25g of coarse sea salt (about 2 generous tablespoons). Gently toss the cucumbers to coat them with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes to lightly pickle. This process helps draw out moisture and makes them crispier.
Step 3
While the cucumbers are pickling, let’s prepare the other vegetables. Finely chop the green onion and set it aside. Having it ready will make seasoning much easier.
Step 4
Wash the chives and pat them dry. Cut them into lengths similar to the cucumber pieces. Cutting them too short might reduce the enjoyable texture when you eat.
Step 5
You’ll notice that the cucumbers have released some moisture. Drain this liquid and rinse the cucumbers lightly under cold running water to remove excess salt. It’s crucial to drain them thoroughly in a colander; excess water can dilute the seasoning and make the salad less flavorful.
Step 6
Return the well-drained cucumbers to the bowl. Now it’s time to season! First, add the 30g of red pepper flakes. Gently mix them with the cucumbers, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the vibrant red color.
Step 7
Next, add 2 Tbsp of fish sauce, 1.5 Tbsp of minced garlic, and 0.5 Tbsp of grated ginger (or ginger powder). Gently mix again until everything is well combined. The fish sauce, garlic, and ginger will create a wonderfully aromatic and savory base for the salad.
Step 8
To enhance the overall flavor and add a touch of sweetness, stir in 30g of sugar. Even if you prefer less sweetness, adding a little sugar balances the savory and spicy notes, making the dish even more delicious. Mix well.
Step 9
It’s time to add the prepared vegetables! Gently toss in the chopped chives, green onion, and shredded carrot. Mix everything together lightly, ensuring the vegetables are coated with the seasoning without crushing the cucumbers.
Step 10
Finally, generously sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for a nutty aroma and flavor. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the sesame seeds evenly. Your delicious cucumber salad is ready!
Step 11
Behold! A wonderfully crisp cucumber salad, elevated by the rich umami flavor of fish sauce, is complete! This delightful side dish is perfect with any meal and makes an excellent accompaniment to drinks.
