Name: Chinese cucumber cold dish recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 English cucumbers; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted; Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish); Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Introduction:

Chinese cucumber cold dish recipe. This simple yet delicious dish features crisp cucumbers tossed in a flavorful dressing, making it the perfect appetizer or side dish for any meal. With its tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

2 English cucumbers
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Start by preparing the cucumbers. Wash them thoroughly and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Using a knife or vegetable peeler, remove the skin from the cucumbers in alternating strips to create a striped pattern.
Slice the cucumbers thinly into rounds or julienne strips and place them in a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili oil (if using) to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the cucumbers and toss again to distribute.
Transfer the dressed cucumbers to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro.
Serve the Chinese cucumber cold dish immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Nutritional Information:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 50 kcal per serving
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian, Vegan
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Chinese
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Calories: Not specified
Serving Size: 1 serving
Sugar: Not specified
Sodium: Not specified
Fat: Not specified
Carbohydrates: Not specified
Fiber: Not specified
Protein: Not specified
Cholesterol: Not specified

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serve the Chinese cucumber cold dish chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the cucumbers may release some liquid over time, so drain excess liquid before serving leftovers.
For added freshness, sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top before serving leftover portions.

Health Benefits:

Hydration: Cucumbers have high water content, helping to keep you hydrated and maintain optimal body function.
Nutrient-rich: Cucumbers are low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Digestive health: The fiber content in cucumbers aids digestion and promotes regular bowel movements.
Antioxidants: Garlic and sesame seeds contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
Heart health: The combination of ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil may contribute to heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation.

Resources:

Conclusion:

Elevate your culinary experience with our Chinese cucumber cold dish recipe, a refreshing and flavorful addition to any meal. With its simple preparation and vibrant flavors, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it as a starter or side dish and enjoy the crisp, tangy goodness of Chinese cuisine.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
- A: Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but English cucumbers are preferred for their thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Q: Is chili oil necessary for this recipe?
- A: No, chili oil is optional. You can adjust the spiciness according to your preference or omit it altogether.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- A: Yes, you can prepare the Chinese cucumber cold dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Just give it a quick toss before serving.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
Q: Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
- A: Yes, this Chinese cucumber cold dish is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.