Cucumber salads are the latest TikTok craze, winning over millions with their fresh taste and easy prep. This simple yet delicious dish inspired many home cooks to get creative with cucumbers. This step-by-step guide teaches you how to prepare this viral cucumber salad recipe that has taken the Internet by storm.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this viral cucumber salad is easy and fun. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s ready to impress guests and excite taste buds. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
This viral cucumber salad features simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 English cucumber
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon MSG (optional)
Prepare the Cucumber
Start by washing the English cucumber thoroughly. Next, use a mandoline and slice the cucumber into thin, even pieces. The mandoline helps produce uniform slices that can quickly absorb the dressing.
Add Ingredients
Place the sliced cucumber in a quart-sized container. Then, add the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, chopped green onions, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, and MSG (optional). When mixed together, these ingredients create a sweet and savory dressing.
Shake It Up
Secure the container lid and shake vigorously for about a minute. The vigorous shaking evenly coats each cucumber slice with the dressing and melds the flavors together.
Serve and Enjoy
If you prefer a crunchy texture, you can serve the salad immediately. However, for a more intense flavor and slightly softer texture, allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. This marination time enhances the flavors and makes the salad even more delicious.
Why MSG?
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, often gets a bad rap. But in this case, MSG actually boosts the salad’s flavor. Specifically, it adds a rich, savory taste that makes the dish more satisfying. While some may skip MSG, adding it can enhance the salad’s flavor immensely. Don’t worry too much about the effect of MSG, it’s safe for most people even as makes your dish taste better.
Variations on a Theme
You can tweak this viral cucumber salad recipe to match your taste or dietary needs. For a spicy twist, add a mixture of peanut butter, soy sauce, chili crunch, rice wine vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and MSG. In turn, this combination brings a bold, spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the cool, crisp cucumber.
Another tasty option worth trying is a creamy cucumber salad. Slice the cucumber, then mix it with full-fat plain Icelandic-style yogurt (skyr), ranch dressing mix, lemon juice, and pepperoncini brine. As a result, this creamy salad recipe becomes even more satisfying.
Tips for Success
English cucumbers are ideal for salads because they have thin skin and fewer seeds. To prepare them, thinly cut them using a mandoline to get even pieces. This way, each slice soaks up the dressing evenly and gives the salad a consistent texture.
Shake the salad container to mix the ingredients thoroughly and ensure the dressing coats each slice. For a softer salad, let the mixture sit in the fridge for a few hours. The extra time allows the flavors to blend more and make the dish taste even better.
Why the Viral Cucumber Salad Recipe is So Popular
Cucumber salads are popular because they’re simple and versatile. Moreover, you can enjoy them as a side dish, a light snack, or even a main meal. Even better, cucumbers also provide hydration and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
Make It Your Own
Cucumber salads provide endless varieties and possibilities. Experiment with different herbs, spices, or toppings to create your own unique version. Whether jumping into the viral cucumber salad recipe trend or just looking for a new dish, this recipe will surely become your next kitchen favorite!
Are you ready to try this viral cucumber salad recipe for yourself? Click here for more delicious recipes and tips to make this dish your new go-to favorite!
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