Crisp Cucumber and Crab Stick Cold Salad
Refreshing and Cool Flavor! Cucumber and Crab Stick Cold Salad Recipe
Introducing a simple yet appetite-stimulating, refreshing, and crisp cold salad recipe using cucumbers and crab sticks. The freshness of the vegetables combined with the tenderness of the crab sticks creates a universally loved flavor.
Main Ingredients- 2 Korean cucumbers (Baekdadagi)
- 4 sticks of imitation crab meat (Kani)
- 1/2 onion
For Salting Cucumbers- 1/2 Tbsp coarse salt
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the cucumbers. Wash the 2 Korean cucumbers thoroughly under running water. Then, trim off a small piece from both ends, and cut them into approximately 4-5 cm lengths.
Step 2
For the cut cucumbers, peel them using a rotating motion (dolyeok kakgi). This method removes the seedy core, resulting in a cleaner and crisper texture. After removing the core, thinly julienne the cucumber. Cutting them thinly and evenly is key.
Step 3
Add 1/2 Tbsp of coarse salt to the julienned cucumbers and gently mix them. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to salt. This process draws out excess moisture, enhancing their crispness and allowing them to absorb flavors better.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the imitation crab sticks. Shred the 4 long sticks of imitation crab meat into thin strips by hand. Avoid shredding them too thickly, as this can prevent the dressing from being absorbed evenly. Aim for bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
Peel and wash the 1/2 onion. Then, thinly julienne it to match the thickness of the cucumber strips.
Step 6
Let’s make the delicious dressing! In a bowl, combine 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 Tbsp Allulose (or corn syrup/oligosaccharide), 3 Tbsp vinegar, and 1/2 tsp prepared mustard. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined to create the dressing. You can adjust the amount of mustard according to your preference.
Step 7
After salting the cucumbers for 10 minutes, do not rinse them with water. Instead, squeeze out as much moisture as possible with your hands. If the cucumbers taste too salty, you can rinse them very lightly under water and squeeze again. This ensures they remain wonderfully crisp.
Step 8
In a large bowl, combine the drained cucumbers, shredded imitation crab meat, and julienned onion. Gently mix them together. Ensure the ingredients are well combined without crushing them.
Step 9
Don’t pour all the prepared dressing at once. Add it gradually while tasting. The amount of dressing needed can vary depending on the ingredients and your personal preference, so it’s best to adjust the seasoning as you mix. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
Step 10
The key to enjoying this salad is its refreshing taste, so you don’t need to add sesame oil. The tangy flavors of vinegar and mustard will enhance the freshness of the cucumber and crab sticks.
Step 11
The finished Cucumber and Crab Stick Cold Salad boasts an excellent crisp texture and a sweet and sour flavor. It’s perfect as a side dish when you don’t have much appetite, or as a light salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!
