Ingredients
Scale
Gathering ingredients for this salad is like assembling a collection of memories, each one contributing its unique flavor and texture to the dish.
- 3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry. You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or use honey instead of sugar for a different sweetness. Mama Lou always said a recipe is just a guideline, and the real magic happens when you make it your own.
Instructions
Creating this salad is a simple and rewarding process, akin to crafting a story with each ingredient adding a chapter.
- Start by placing the sliced cucumbers in a large colander. Sprinkle with salt and toss to combine. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, sesame seeds, and green onions. Pour the dressing over them and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is key, as Mama Lou always said, “Good things take time, even if it’s just a few minutes.”
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.
As you create this dish, let each step remind you of the joy found in simple pleasures and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International