Crispy and Refreshing Pickled Cucumber (Zha Cai) Salad
Crispy and Refreshing Pickled Cucumber (Zha Cai) Salad
Appetizingly Sweet and Sour! Crispy and Refreshing Pickled Cucumber (Zha Cai) Salad Recipe #SichuanCuisine
Enjoy this crispy pickled cucumber (Zha Cai) salad, chilled from the refrigerator! The sweet, sour, and slightly spicy seasoning is wonderfully appetite-stimulating, making it perfect as a side dish or for entertaining guests. Experience the charm of authentic Sichuan cuisine conveniently at home!
Main Ingredients- 1 Korean pickled cucumber (Oi-ji)
- 1/4 stalk green onion
Sweet and Sour Seasoning- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar or white sugar
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp chili seed oil (adds a spicy aroma and flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar or white sugar
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 Tbsp chili seed oil (adds a spicy aroma and flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the fresh pickled cucumbers (Oi-ji) thoroughly and pat them dry. Then, cut each cucumber lengthwise in half, slice it diagonally at about 0.5cm thickness, and finally julienne them into thin strips approximately 0.3cm wide. Maintaining the crispiness of the cucumber is key.
Step 2
Place the julienned cucumber strips in a bowl of cold water and soak them for about 30 minutes to remove excess saltiness. This process not only reduces the saltiness but also enhances the crisp texture. Changing the water once during soaking is recommended for better results.
Step 3
After soaking, drain the cucumber strips thoroughly in a sieve, pressing out as much water as possible. If the water isn’t properly squeezed out, the final seasoning might be diluted. Finely julienne the green onion after cutting it lengthwise in half. For an extra kick, you can add a little minced red chili or jalapeño.
Step 4
Combine the squeezed cucumber strips and julienned green onion in a mixing bowl. Add the seasoning ingredients: 1 Tbsp sugar (or granulated sugar), 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/2 Tbsp chili seed oil, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Gently toss and mix the ingredients with your hands (‘jomal-jomal’ style) until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cucumbers mushy.
Step 5
For a more pronounced sweet and sour taste, you can add an additional 1/2 Tbsp of sugar and 1/2 Tbsp of vinegar, then mix again gently. Tasting and adjusting the seasoning is crucial. This Zha Cai cucumber salad is delicious immediately, but for an even more refreshing and crisp experience, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
