Spicy Cucumber Salad

20 Minutes

How to Make Din Tai Fung-Style Spicy Cucumber Salad at Home

If you’ve ever dined at Din Tai Fung, you know their spicy cucumber salad is an irresistible appetizer—cool, crunchy, and packed with a perfect balance of heat and umami. The good news? You can easily recreate this Din Tai Fung-style spicy cucumber salad at home in just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Takes less than 15 minutes to prep.
• Restaurant-Style Flavor: Perfectly balanced tangy, savory, and spicy notes.
• Healthy & Refreshing: Low in calories yet full of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The cucumbers get even better as they marinate!

Tips for the Best Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Use Persian Cucumbers: They have a crisp texture and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Add more chili oil for extra heat or reduce for a milder version.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 10 minutes is great, letting the salad sit for an hour enhances the taste.

What to Serve With Spicy Cucumber Salad

This spicy cucumber side dish pairs perfectly with Asian dishes like dumplings, Dan Dan noodles, fried rice, or stir-fry. It’s also a refreshing snack on its own!

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious!

Recreating Din Tai Fung’s spicy cucumber salad at home is easier than you think! With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, you can enjoy this spicy, garlicky, crunchy appetizer any time.

Spicy Cucumber Salad

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• Author: Sweta Patel
• Total Time: 20
• Yield: 2 people 1x

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Ingredients

Scale

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• 4 Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tbsp teaspoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for a numbing spice effect)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

 

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thick rounds (about ½ inch thick). Sprinkle with salt, then toss to coat. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse & Drain: Rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns (if using), and red pepper flakes.
4. Toss & Marinate: Combine the cucumbers with the dressing, tossing well. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes (or longer for deeper flavor).
5. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 20

Keywords: spicy cucumber salad, asian salad, veggies,