This Shaken Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish that perfectly balances the tangy flavors of rice vinegar and soy sauce with the nuttiness of sesame oil. It’s a cool, crisp salad that can be served on its own or as a side to complement a larger meal. The combination of fresh cucumber, a touch of sugar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds creates an irresistible texture and flavor. You can even tweak the recipe by adding a few more chili flakes for a spicier twist or enjoy it as a gluten-free, vegan-friendly option. Perfect for those hot summer days when you need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and gently toss. Let sit for 5 minutes to release excess water from the cucumbers.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
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Cover the bowl and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to mix all ingredients together.
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Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Serve chilled.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Kcal: 40 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Shaken Cucumber Salad is a deliciously simple and refreshing dish that can easily become a staple in your cooking repertoire. This light, healthy, and easy-to-make salad is perfect for warm weather, offering a refreshing taste that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. In this article, we’ll explore the background of this dish, its benefits, why it’s one of the best recipes for summer, and how you can enjoy it in various ways.
The Origin and Background of Shaken Cucumber Salad
Shaken Cucumber Salad has its roots in East Asian cuisine, particularly Japanese and Chinese cooking. It’s a staple dish often found in Japanese izakayas (casual pubs), where it’s served as a side or appetizer. The dish typically combines cucumbers with a tangy dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar. The key to the salad’s unique flavor is the technique of “shaking” the ingredients together in a bowl, which helps to evenly distribute the flavors and create a slightly marinated effect.
The origins of using cucumbers in such dishes date back centuries in China, where cucumbers were appreciated not only for their fresh flavor but also for their medicinal properties. The Japanese later adopted the cucumber in their cuisine and incorporated it into their salads, offering a balance of lightness and umami. The beauty of the Shaken Cucumber Salad lies in its simplicity, using only a few ingredients that come together to create a delightful dish.
Health Benefits of Shaken Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers, the star ingredient of this salad, are loaded with nutrients and offer numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of hydration, as cucumbers are made up of about 95% water, making them ideal for maintaining hydration, especially on hot summer days.
They are also low in calories, making this salad a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying, guilt-free dish. Cucumbers are packed with vitamins like vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and proper blood clotting. They are also rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and flavonoids, which help fight inflammation and combat oxidative stress in the body.
In addition to cucumbers, the sesame oil and sesame seeds used in this recipe provide a good source of healthy fats. Sesame oil is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Sesame seeds also contain beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, supporting bone health and overall wellbeing.
The rice vinegar used in the dressing has been known to help with digestion and balance blood sugar levels. It also provides a tangy flavor that adds an extra layer of depth to the salad without being overwhelming. Lastly, soy sauce, in moderation, can provide essential amino acids and antioxidants.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Summer
Shaken Cucumber Salad is the ideal dish to enjoy during the warm summer months. It’s quick and easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and no cooking, which means you won’t have to heat up the kitchen on a hot day. Its lightness makes it perfect for pairing with other summer dishes, such as grilled vegetables, seafood, or even barbecued meats.
The coolness of the cucumber provides instant refreshment, making it a great way to beat the heat while keeping your meals healthy. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, attending a picnic, or looking for a light side dish for dinner, this salad is the perfect option.
Furthermore, its tangy, slightly sweet, and savory dressing can be easily adjusted to suit personal preferences. If you prefer a spicier salad, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or for a more umami-rich dish, you can add a dash of fish sauce or miso paste to the dressing.
Simple and Quick: A No-Fuss Recipe
One of the greatest benefits of Shaken Cucumber Salad is how easy it is to make. With only a few simple ingredients, it’s a great dish for both novice and experienced cooks alike. All you need is a cucumber, a few pantry staples like soy sauce and sesame oil, and a little bit of seasoning. There’s no complicated preparation process, and you can have the salad ready in just a few minutes.
The “shaking” technique not only ensures that the dressing is well-mixed, but it also breaks down the cucumber slightly, allowing the flavors to penetrate and creating a softer texture. This makes it the perfect dish to prepare ahead of time for a gathering, as the salad can sit in the fridge for a few hours to marinate and absorb all of the wonderful flavors.
Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Customizable
Another reason why Shaken Cucumber Salad is so versatile is that it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. The salad contains no animal products, making it suitable for those following plant-based diets. Similarly, it’s an excellent option for anyone with dietary restrictions, as it doesn’t contain gluten, dairy, or eggs.
If you’re looking to make the recipe even more filling, you can add a variety of additional ingredients. For instance, you can toss in some sliced avocado for added creaminess, or add a handful of edamame beans or chickpeas for extra protein. For a more substantial meal, you can pair it with a bowl of steamed rice or a side of grilled tofu. The possibilities are endless!
Why This Shaken Cucumber Salad Recipe Stands Out
While there are many cucumber salad recipes out there, the beauty of Shaken Cucumber Salad lies in its balance of flavors and ease of preparation. Many traditional cucumber salads can feel heavy, often relying on mayonnaise or creamy dressings. This recipe, however, is fresh, light, and full of flavor, making it the perfect option for those who want something healthy and satisfying without the extra calories.
The dressing itself is tangy and slightly sweet, with a savory depth that enhances the natural flavor of the cucumber. The sesame oil adds a beautiful nutty richness, while the rice vinegar provides the perfect amount of acidity to balance out the dish. This combination of ingredients creates a harmony of flavors that is simple yet satisfying.
How to Serve Shaken Cucumber Salad
Shaken Cucumber Salad can be served in various ways depending on the occasion. For a light appetizer or snack, serve the salad on its own, allowing the fresh cucumber flavors to shine. It also pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes, such as sushi, grilled meats, or noodle bowls. You can even serve it alongside a warm bowl of miso soup for a full, comforting meal.
If you’re preparing this salad for a summer gathering or party, it’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish. Just prepare it a few hours in advance, and let the flavors meld together in the fridge. The salad will stay fresh and crisp, providing a refreshing option for your guests to enjoy.
Conclusion
Shaken Cucumber Salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. With its simple ingredients, quick preparation time, and ability to be easily customized, it’s an ideal addition to any meal, especially during the warmer months. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a side dish, or something to serve at a summer gathering, this salad is a great choice that everyone will love. Not only is it delicious, but it also comes with a host of health benefits, making it a win-win for anyone looking to eat clean and enjoy great flavors. Give this easy and nutritious salad a try – it’s sure to become a favorite!