Name: Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad (Din Tai Fung Copycat)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound Persian cucumbers; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon chili oil; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 2 teaspoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 2-4 tablespoons warm water; Optional garnishes: sliced red Fresno pepper, toasted sesame seeds

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As soon as you peel back the lid of your container, the enticing aroma of garlic and sesame wafts up, kissing your senses awake. Each cucumber slice has a glossy sheen, reflecting hints of chili and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, making it practically irresistible. The vibrant green of the Persian cucumbers juxtaposed with the fiery red of Fresno pepper slices creates a delightful visual feast. Whether it’s a sunny summer luncheon or a cozy winter dinner, this Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Din Tai Fung Copycat) brings a spark of excitement to every meal. I still remember the first time I indulged in a similar dish at my favorite dim sum spot, where every bite was a burst of zesty freshness that left me hooked. Now, you can recreate that magical moment right in your kitchen!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Din Tai Fung Copycat)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad (Din Tai Fung Copycat)

Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad (Din Tai Fung Copycat)

Whipping up this salad takes no time at all. You can have it ready in just 15 minutes, giving you more time to enjoy those precious moments with loved ones. The crunch of the cucumbers paired with the hot and tangy dressing dances on your taste buds, leaving you craving more. Can you picture it on your dinner table, stealing the spotlight? You bet! With simple ingredients and flexibility for dietary preferences, this salad is such a crowd-pleaser for everything from date night at home to weekend potlucks. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute side dish.
Irresistible Flavor: Crunchy cucumbers combined with zesty garlic and spicy chili oil create a refreshing flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and textures make it a stunning centerpiece on any table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite Asian dishes.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegan diets; just swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound Persian cucumbers: Opt for this thin-skinned variety for a crisp crunch; they hold their texture beautifully. You can substitute with English cucumbers if needed.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: This essential ingredient helps draw out moisture from the cucumbers, enhancing their flavor. Avoid table salt as it may be overpowering.
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced: Adds pungency that balances the heat; fresh garlic is vital for that robust flavor.
1 teaspoon chili oil: Look for a good quality oil to crank the heat up. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: This enhances the salad’s nuttiness. Don’t use more as it can dominate the dish’s flavor.
2 teaspoons soy sauce: Regular soy sauce or tamari are perfect here; they deepen the flavor profile. Coconut aminos work too for a gluten-free alternative.
1 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar: Provides a tangy kick; avoid seasoned varieties that may alter the balance.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: A simple sweetener to balance the spice. Feel free to use honey or any alternative sweeteners you enjoy.
2-4 tablespoons warm water: Adjusts the sauce’s consistency; it should be pourable but not runny.
Optional garnishes: Sliced red Fresno pepper adds a splash of color and mild heat, while toasted sesame seeds provide extra crunch.

How to Make Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Din Tai Fung Copycat)

Slice Cucumbers: Start by slicing your Persian cucumbers crosswise into ¾-inch thick rounds. The thicker slices will hold on to the flavors of your dressing beautifully and provide that satisfying crunch as you bite into them.

Salt and Sweat: Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and toss them with kosher salt. Allow them to sit for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours is even better. This “sweating” process draws out excess moisture, leaving you with a firmer texture that’s perfect for salads.

Infuse Garlic in Oil: In a small bowl, combine your thinly sliced garlic cloves with chili oil and sesame oil. Use the back of a spoon to rub the garlic into the oil, which releases its wonderful flavor. This creates a fragrant base for your dressing.

Add Sauce Ingredients: To the garlic and oil mixture, add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of warm water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, taste testing as you go. If you prefer it sweeter or saltier, feel free to tweak it!

Rinse and Dry: Once the cucumbers have sweated, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry with paper towels to keep the salad from becoming soggy—no one wants a soggy salad!

Toss Salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss the dry cucumbers with your dressing until they’re fully coated. This step is key as it allows each slice to soak up all the vibrant flavors.

Serve and Garnish: Transfer the salad to a shallow serving dish. Pour any extra dressing over the top. If desired, remove the garlic slices before serving; their flavor infused into the oil will remain. Top with sliced red Fresno peppers and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that appealing finishing touch.

Storing & Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving again for the best flavor. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for longer than 2 hours to ensure food safety. Freezing isn’t recommended due to the cucumbers’ high water content, which can affect texture; but if you absolutely must, aim to consume within a month. When reheating, skip the microwave—refresh the flavors by tossing in a new drizzle of chili oil instead.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Don’t Rush the Salting: Allow the cucumbers enough time to sweat. This step is essential to achieving the right texture and flavor balance.
Play with Spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the chili oil or try adding a mild oil instead.
Experiment with Soy Options: For those avoiding gluten, the coconut aminos really shine in this recipe!
Colors Matter: Use a mix of regular and red Fresno peppers to achieve an even prettier dish.
Double the Recipe: This salad is a hit! Making a bigger batch is perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

This Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Din Tai Fung Copycat) is a gem you won’t want to miss. You experience a taste that mimics your favorite dim sum restaurant from the comfort of your home. With its simple preparation and unbelievably refreshing flavor, there’s no reason not to whip this up for your next gathering or special dinner. Try it, enjoy it, and maybe even make it a regular on your menu!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers?

Absolutely! Persian cucumbers are recommended for their crunch, but you can also use English cucumbers or even regular garden cucumbers. Just be mindful of seeds; if using garden cucumbers, consider peeling them to reduce bitterness.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Certainly! Simply reduce the amount of chili oil or use a milder oil. You can also replace the Fresno peppers with sweet bell peppers or omit them entirely if heat isn’t your thing.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

This salad is best fresh! However, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately in the fridge. Toss the cucumbers with the dressing just before serving to maintain the crunch.

What can I serve with this salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with all sorts of dishes! It complements anything from grilled meats to hearty stir fries and makes a refreshing appetizer before rich main courses. Enjoy it alongside Asian-inspired meals for the best results.