Cucumber is used all throughout Asia as a side to spicy dishes.
And for good reason.
It's delicious.
And it's cooling.
That in in itself is a good enough reason as any to treat yourself to this lovely salad that takes only minutes to prepare. Chances are, you have just about everything already sitting in your pantry.
It does need a mandolin for evenly cut slices. The rest is easy - some finely sliced red onion, a scatter of edamame seeds, rice wine vinegar (Mirin), honey, sesame oil, a touch of garlic and salt.
A sprinkle of cayenne to finish it off and there you have it. What a great hot weather side to roasted meats and spicy stir-fries!
Gather the ingredients,2 seedless English cucumbers, 1 small Spanish red onion, ¼ cup frozen, shelled edamame seeds & 1/2 tsp freshly chopped garlic
Dressing: 2 tbs Mirin – rice wine vinegar, 1 tsp finely chopped garlic (optional), 2 tsp sesame oil, 1 tbs honey & 1/2 tsp salt
Sprinkle: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Edamame: Pour some boiling hot water and soak the edamame for a few minutes. Drain in a sieve.
Cucumber: Using a mandolin finely slice the cucumber. Be careful to not cut your fingers!
Onion: Peel, and finely slice.
Dressing: In a microwave safe bowl, add the honey and heat for about 10 seconds or so until thin. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk to combine.
In a bowl combine the red onions, edamame and cucumber slices.
Toss with the dressing. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper and serve with some spicy food.
Recipe for
Asian Style Cooling Cucumber Salad
Preparation time - 15 mins
Serves 4
Shopping list
Shopping list:
2 seedless English cucumbers
½ medium or 1 small Spanish red onion
¼ cup frozen, shelled edamame
Dressing:
2 tbs Mirin – rice wine vinegar
1 tsp finely chopped garlic (optional)
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tbs honey
1/2 tsp salt
Garnish:
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Preparation:
Edamame: Pour some boiling hot water and soak the edamame for a few minutes. Drain in a sieve.
Cucumber: Using a mandolin finely slice the cucumber. Be careful to not cut your fingers!
Onion: Peel, and finely slice.
Dressing: In a microwave safe bowl, add the honey and heat for 10 seconds or so until thin. Add the remaining ingredients and whisk to combine.
Method:
In a bowl combine the red onions, edamame and cucumber. Toss with the dressing. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper and serve with some spicy food.
Enjoy!
