Crisp Cucumber and Crab Stick Salad
Sweet and Tangy Cucumber Salad with Crab Sticks: Easy Recipe
Introducing our ‘Crisp Cucumber and Crab Stick Salad,’ a refreshing dish perfect for boosting your appetite on hot days. This vibrant salad features the crispness of fresh cucumbers, the delicate texture of imitation crab sticks, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a zesty, sweet-and-sour mustard dressing. It’s incredibly easy to make, ensuring success even for beginner cooks. Cucumbers are high in water content, making this salad an excellent choice for staying hydrated during warmer weather. Enjoy this delightful summer side dish, suitable for everyday meals or even for entertaining guests!
Main Ingredients (Measurements in Tablespoons)
- 1 Cucumber
- 5 Imitation Crab Sticks
- 1/2 Onion
- A little Carrot
Sweet & Tangy Special Dressing (Measurements in Tablespoons)
- 3 Tbsp Plum Syrup
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Korean Mustard
- A pinch of Salt
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Plum Syrup
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Korean Mustard
- A pinch of Salt
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. It’s a good idea to trim off the ends, as they can sometimes be bitter.
Step 2
To achieve thin slices, we’ll use a technique called ‘peeling around.’ Cut the cucumber into roughly 5cm lengths. Then, holding your knife at an angle, carefully peel the outer layer of the cucumber thinly. Try to avoid peeling too deep so the seeds are not exposed.
Step 3
Lay the peeled cucumber slices flat, stack them slightly, and then thinly julienne them. Maintaining a crisp texture is key.
Step 4
Julienne the onion similarly to the cucumber. If you want to reduce the onion’s sharp, pungent flavor, soak the julienned onion in cold water for at least 10 minutes.
Step 5
Drain the soaked onion thoroughly using a sieve. Excess water can dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
Step 6
Julienne the carrot as well. Aim for a similar length and thickness as the cucumber and onion for a cohesive appearance.
Step 7
Gently shred the imitation crab sticks with your hands into bite-sized pieces. It’s best to shred them rather than cut them finely, so there’s still a pleasant texture.
Step 8
Now, let’s make the delicious special dressing! In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of Korean mustard, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Add 3 tablespoons of plum syrup and 3 tablespoons of vinegar. Finally, add a tiny pinch of salt and 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic. Whisk everything together until well combined. If you don’t have plum syrup, you can substitute it with corn syrup or honey for sweetness. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 9
In a large bowl, combine the prepared cucumber, imitation crab sticks, carrots, and onions. Pour the freshly made sweet and tangy dressing over the ingredients.
Step 10
Gently toss the salad with a spatula, being careful not to mash the ingredients, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed. You can also gently mix it with your hands (‘jomul-jomul’) for better flavor integration. Transfer the finished salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty flavor. Your sweet and tangy cucumber and crab stick salad is ready! It’s perfect for those times you need a refreshing pick-me-up!
