Best 2 Sweet And Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipes

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From classic to modern culinary creations, sweet and spicy cucumber salad has taken its rightful place as a versatile and refreshing dish. Its tantalizing blend of flavors has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. This article embarks on a journey to unveil the secrets behind the perfect sweet and spicy cucumber salad, offering a comprehensive guide to crafting this delectable treat. We will delve into the selection of the freshest cucumbers, explore a variety of aromatic herbs, and present a delightful array of tangy dressings to complement the crisp cucumber slices. Along the way, we will uncover the culinary magic that transforms ordinary cucumbers into an extraordinary salad sensation, sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

SALTY-SWEET SALMON WITH GINGER AND SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD



Salty-Sweet Salmon with Ginger and Spicy Cucumber Salad image

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/4 cup Fish sauce
1.1/2 teaspoons Rice-wine vinegar
3/4 teaspoon sugar, or to taste
1/4 cup peeled and minced ginger
1/4 cup FOR THE SALMON: honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 garlic clove, crushed
1.1/2 tablespoons ketchup
4 6-ounce pieces salmon fillet
1 cup FOR THE CUCUMBERS: rice-wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon Togarashi (or grounded red pepper flakes, or rocoto)
1.1/2 teaspoons grated ginger
1 english cucumber, seeded and sliced 1/8 inch thick

Steps:

  • Make the preserved ginger: The day before, whisk together the fish sauce, rice-wine vinegar and sugar, then add the ginger. Make sure it is covered by the liquid.
  • Combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ketchup and 1/4 cup water. Marinate the salmon in this for 2 hours, turning after 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber salad: Bring the vinegar to a boil. Add the sugar, salt, togarashi and ginger. Return to a boil, then let cool to room temperature. Put the cucumbers in a nonreactive container and cover with the vinegar mixture. Let sit at least one hour before serving.
  • Preheat grill to low. Arrange salmon on a hinged grill basket, then cook, basting occasionally with the marinade, over a low flame for 5 minutes per side, or until just flaky. (Or broil, skin side down, 6 inches from the flame for 4 minutes, baste, then turn and broil for 2 minutes.) To serve, use a slotted spoon to place the cucumber salad on each of 4 plates. Lay the salmon next to the salad and serve topped with preserved ginger.

SWEET AND SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD



SWEET AND SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD image

Categories     Vegetable     Side     No-Cook     Low Fat     Quick & Easy

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cucumbers or 1 English cucumber
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar (you can use plain as well)
1 tbsp ginger
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 - 1 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Steps:

  • I use a potato peeler on the cucumber leaving stripes of the skin for some color. Cut cucumber in half then cut into 1/4 inch slices. Set aside Use a blender or hand blender and combine the vinegar,sugar,ginger,garlic, sesame oil,half the red pepper flakes until well combined and smooth then slowly add the oil as you blend to create a good emulsion. Add reserved pepper flakes and pour over cucumbers (I usually place them in a plastic bag to marinate) chill for at least 1 hour before serving

Tips:

  • Use a mandoline or sharp knife to thinly slice the cucumbers for a more uniform and visually appealing salad.
  • If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  • For a spicier salad, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped serrano pepper.
  • Fresh herbs, such as cilantro, mint, or basil, can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
  • If you're making the salad ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld together and become even more delicious over time.

Conclusion:

Sweet and spicy cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy salad recipe, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!

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