Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe

This dish is refreshing, tangy, and a perfect side for any meal.

I love how the crisp cucumbers soak up the savory marinade.

One important tip: let the cucumbers marinate for at least an hour for the best flavor.

I recommend using Persian cucumbers for their firm texture and mild taste.

What makes this recipe special to me is its simplicity and how quickly it comes together.

Don’t forget to sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch.

This recipe is perfect for a quick snack or a light appetizer.

Enjoy making and savoring these delicious Din Tai Fung-style cucumbers!

How to Make Din Tai Fung Cucumber

In this section, we will guide you through the process of making a delicious Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad.

This Asian cucumber salad recipe is inspired by the famous Taiwanese restaurant chain, and it is perfect for enjoying crunchy, refreshing cucumbers with a flavorful twist.

Ingredients List

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need for this copycat recipe:

• 1 lb cucumber Persian or English
• 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic grated
• 1/2 tbsp chili oil
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• teaspoon of granulated sugar

Step-by-step Process

Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers

Choose either Persian or English cucumbers for their crisp texture and minimal excess water.

If you don’t have access to these specific types, you can use regular cucumbers but note that they may contain more water.

Slice the cucumbers into 1/2-inch thick pieces. If you prefer baby cucumbers, just remember to adjust the size of your cucumber slices accordingly.

Step 2: Salt the cucumbers

Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt.

This helps draw out any excess water and ensures that your salad remains crisp and refreshing.

Allow the salted cucumbers to sit for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse and dry the cucumbers

After the cucumbers have released their water content, rinse them thoroughly to remove the salt.

Pat the cucumber slices dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Step 4: Prepare the dressing

In a separate bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Minced garlic (2-3 cloves, depending on your preference for garlic intensity)
• 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of mirin or white wine vinegar

Mix the ingredients until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 5: Toss and serve

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber slices with the dressing and gently toss until evenly coated.

Optionally, drizzle 1 teaspoon of chili oil over the cucumbers for added spice, and top with thinly sliced Fresno chili peppers.

Enjoy this delicious and refreshing Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad!

Side Dishes for Din Tai Fung Cucumber

When enjoying a refreshing cucumber salad from Din Tai Fung, a well-loved Taiwanese restaurant, it’s important to have some complementary side dishes on your table.

We’ve compiled this list of popular side dishes that will help you elevate your dining experience when paired with the Fung Cucumber Salad.

Soup Dumplings

Soup dumplings, or Xiao Long Bao, are another great option.

These delicious soup dumplings are filled with rich, savory broth and tender meat.

Their warm, satisfying taste can provide a nice contrast to the crisp and refreshing cucumber salad.

Moreover, the flavors of these delicate dumplings complement the tangy dressing used in the salad without overpowering it.

Rice Cakes

Rice cakes, also known as Nian Gao, can provide a different texture to your meal while still being a complementary side.

These sticky, chewy rice cakes come in various flavors, including sweet and savory.

You can try pairing the cucumber salad with savory pan-fried rice cakes that have been seasoned with soy sauce or oyster sauce for a delicious Asian-inspired combo.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sesame Oil substitutes 

If sesame oil is not available, you can use a mild-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil instead.

This will alter the taste slightly but still provide a similar texture and mouthfeel.

You could also try a flavored oil, such as chili oil, for a different but still delicious result.

Light Soy Sauce

In place of regular soy sauce, you can use light soy sauce, which has a less intense flavor and thinner consistency.

This is a great option if you’re looking to reduce the sodium content of your cucumber salad.

Granulated Sugar

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar or another sugar substitute to achieve the desired sweetness in your cucumber salad.

Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

By considering these ingredient substitutes, you can still create a delicious Din Tai Fung cucumber salad even if you don’t have all the original ingredients on hand.

Always feel free to experiment with different options and adjust the quantities to achieve the perfect balance of flavors for your taste.

How to Store Din Tai Fung Cucumber

Storing your Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad properly is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Here are some tips on how to store it effectively:

Use an airtight container:

After preparing your cucumber salad, transfer it into an airtight container to ensure it stays fresh for a longer time.

This also prevents odors from other foods in your refrigerator from affecting the taste and aroma of your salad.

Before storing, make sure to remove any excess moisture from the cucumber slices.

You can use a paper towel to pat them dry or let them air dry for a while.

This helps prevent sogginess and ensures your cucumber salad remains crisp.

If you have seasoned your cucumber slices with salt to remove excess moisture, don’t forget to rinse them thoroughly with cold running water before storage.

This helps remove any leftover salt and keeps the cucumber slices from getting too salty.

Label your containers so you can easily identify your Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad later.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad fresh and appetizing while storing it in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your tasty and refreshing salad whenever you like!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not drying cucumbers properly

When preparing a delicious cucumber salad, it’s essential to remove excess water from your cucumber slices.

After cutting the fresh cucumbers, lay them on a tray lined with paper towels.

Use another layer of paper towels to gently press down on the cucumber slices, removing excess moisture.

This step ensures a crisp and flavorful salad.

Over-salting the cucumbers

While salt can help draw out excess water from the cucumbers and enhance their flavor, using too much salt can overpower the taste of your spicy cucumber salad.

Be cautious with your application of salt and adjust according to your taste preferences.

Using low-quality ingredients

The key to a delicious cucumber salad is using fresh cucumbers and high-quality ingredients in your dressing.

Choose Persian or English cucumbers, which contain less water than garden cucumbers, for a better texture.

Opt for quality rice vinegar and chili oil to create a dressing that is both flavorful and aromatic.