Spicy & Savory XO Sauce & Mala Cucumber Salad
#CucumberRecipe #SpicyFood #EasyCucumberSalad #SpicySideDish #UsingXOSauce #MealPrepIdeas
This refreshing cucumber salad is elevated with the deep umami of XO sauce and the tingly spice of Mala, making it a perfect appetite stimulant. While ‘Oi Tang Tangyi’ involves tenderizing the cucumber by pounding, this recipe uses sliced cucumber, making it suitable for storing and enjoying over time. The harmonious blend of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors makes it an excellent accompaniment to rich or greasy dishes, and it’s also a fantastic side dish for meals or as a snack with drinks. The abundant ingredients in XO sauce add an extra layer of rich flavor.
Ingredients- 2 Korean cucumbers (Cheong Ois)
- 2 stalks of green onion
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp Huajiao oil (or fragrant oil)
- 5 Tbsp Mala stir-fry sauce
- 2 Tbsp XO sauce
- 4 Tbsp brown rice vinegar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the 2 Korean cucumbers and slice them into thick half-moon shapes. Finely chop the 2 stalks of green onion. Slicing them thickly helps maintain the cucumber’s crisp texture.
Step 2
Place the sliced cucumbers and chopped green onions into a bowl. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic to infuse a pungent aroma.
Step 3
Now it’s time to add the key flavorings. Add 2 Tbsp of Huajiao oil (or another fragrant oil for added flavor), 5 Tbsp of Mala stir-fry sauce, 2 Tbsp of flavorful XO sauce, and 4 Tbsp of brown rice vinegar for a refreshing tang.
Step 4
Once all ingredients are added, gently toss and mix everything with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed on the cucumbers. Taste the salad; if it’s not sour enough for your preference, add a little more brown rice vinegar to adjust. The sourness is a crucial element that defines this dish’s flavor.
Step 5
As you taste the well-mixed cucumber salad, you’ll notice the crisp cucumber texture combined with the tingly spice of the Mala sauce and the deep, savory umami from the XO sauce. Unlike ‘Oi Tang Tangyi,’ which requires pounding the cucumbers and must be eaten immediately due to excess moisture, this sliced version can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed later.
Step 6
Serve the delicious cucumber salad attractively on a plate. The visible solids are from the XO sauce, which is made with dried shrimp, scallops, and abalone, adding profound umami. The combination of refreshing cucumber with the sour and spicy dressing is a delightful appetite stimulant, perfect for pairing with rich dishes. A simple yet exceptionally flavorful cucumber salad is complete!
