Description
A quick and flavorful TikTok-inspired cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a savory blend of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, fish sauce, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect as a refreshing snack or side dish, this recipe can be enjoyed immediately for crisp freshness or marinated for a tangy, quick-pickled flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauces and Oils
- 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp fish sauce
Seasonings
- 1 tsp sugar
- Sprinkle of MSG
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber: Use a mandolin to slice the cucumber thinly and directly into a deli quart container. If a mandolin is not available, use a knife to thinly slice the cucumber and place the slices in a bowl.
- Add the flavorings: Add soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, fish sauce, sugar, MSG, grated garlic, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds to the container or bowl with the cucumber slices.
- Mix thoroughly: Put the lid on the container and shake vigorously to coat the cucumber slices evenly with the dressing. If using a bowl, toss the cucumbers well until all ingredients are combined.
- Serve or marinate: Enjoy the salad immediately for a fresh and crunchy texture, or refrigerate it for 1-2 hours to allow the cucumbers to marinate and develop a quick pickled flavor. The longer it marinates, the less crunchy but more flavorful it becomes.
Notes
- Using a mandolin ensures thin, even slices for the best texture.
- MSG is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
- Adjust sugar and fish sauce quantities to taste.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- The recipe yields one serving but can easily be scaled up.
