Crisp and Refreshing Cucumber Salad
Summer Delight: Easy and Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe
Beat the heat with this wonderfully cool and crisp cucumber salad! This is a super simple side dish that uses hydrating cucumbers to create a refreshing and flavorful bite. It’s perfect as a staple with rice or as a palate cleanser alongside richer dishes!
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp wasabi (or Japanese mustard)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp wasabi (or Japanese mustard)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water. This step removes any dirt or debris from the skin.
Step 2
Using the blunt side of your knife, gently scrape the cucumber skin from outside to inside. This process removes the cucumber’s prickly texture, making it softer to eat.
Step 3
Next, thinly slice the cucumber into even strips using your knife. Slicing them about 0.5 cm thick will give you a pleasant texture.
Step 4
Add 1/2 tsp of salt to the sliced cucumbers and gently mix them with your hands. Salting is a crucial step that draws out moisture, enhancing the cucumber’s crispness.
Step 5
Let the salted cucumbers sit and pickle for about 30 minutes. During this time, water will naturally be drawn out from the cucumber slices.
Step 6
While the cucumbers are pickling, let’s prepare the dressing. First, measure out 1 Tbsp of plum extract.
Step 7
Add 1 tsp of wasabi (or Japanese mustard) to the plum extract and mix well until the ingredients are fully combined. This creates a balanced dressing with a hint of spice and sweetness.
Step 8
After 30 minutes, lightly rinse the pickled cucumbers under cold running water. This helps to remove any excess saltiness.
Step 9
Gather the rinsed cucumbers in your hands and squeeze them firmly to remove as much water as possible. Excess moisture can make the salad taste diluted.
Step 10
Place the squeezed cucumbers in a bowl. Use a paper towel to press down firmly and absorb any remaining moisture. This will ensure a wonderfully chewy and crisp texture.
Step 11
Pour the prepared dressing (plum extract and wasabi mixture) over the cucumbers.
Step 12
Finally, sprinkle 1 tsp of sesame seeds over the top and gently toss everything together until the cucumbers and dressing are evenly coated. Your delicious cucumber salad is ready!
Step 13
Wow, this cucumber salad looks incredibly refreshing! Thanks to the salting and squeezing process, the cucumbers have a fantastic, firm, and crisp texture.
Step 14
This cucumber salad is the perfect side dish to accompany rich, oily, or fried foods. It cuts through the richness and leaves your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.
Step 15
Enjoy your delicious meal and have a wonderful day! ^^
