Spicy & Tangy Seasoned Cucumbers with Doubanjiang
Easy Doubanjiang Cucumber Salad Recipe
Discover the delightful world of Chinese-inspired cuisine with this vibrant Doubanjiang Cucumber Salad! Perfect for summer, this dish offers a unique flavor profile that is subtly spicy, savory, and refreshingly tangy, making it an irresistible accompaniment to any meal. The crisp texture of the cucumbers paired with the bold umami of doubanjiang creates a taste sensation that will awaken your appetite. Serve it with rice or enjoy it as a refreshing side.
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 1 pinch of salt (for curing)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing one fresh cucumber. If you are using two cucumbers, slightly reduce the amount of doubanjiang to 2/3 of a tablespoon to ensure the flavors remain balanced.
Step 2
Wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water and pat it dry. Trim off the ends. Then, using the flat side of your knife, gently ‘whack’ the cucumber several times. This technique helps to break down the cucumber’s structure, allowing it to absorb the dressing better and achieve a delightful crunch. If you’re not comfortable with this method, you can also use a meat mallet or a rolling pin.
Step 3
Once the cucumber has been softened by the whacking, use the back of your knife to roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces. Chopping with the back of the knife, rather than slicing cleanly, helps to release more of the cucumber’s fresh aroma, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Step 4
Add a pinch of salt to the broken cucumber pieces and toss gently to coat. Letting the cucumber sit with the salt for a few minutes will help draw out excess moisture, resulting in an even crispier texture.
Step 5
Next, incorporate 1 tablespoon of minced garlic for a pungent kick and aromatic depth. The garlic’s subtle heat will beautifully complement the spicy dressing.
Step 6
Now, add 1/2 tablespoon of Doubanjiang, the key ingredient that provides a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor, along with 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the spice and add a hint of sweetness.
Step 7
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of vinegar for that essential tanginess. Gently mix all the ingredients together until the cucumber is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cucumber mushy.
Step 8
Transfer the beautifully seasoned cucumber salad to a serving dish. The refreshing crunch of the cucumber, combined with the spicy, savory, and tangy notes from the doubanjiang dressing, creates a harmonious flavor profile that is sure to revive even the most flagging appetite. Enjoy this delightful dish!
