Cucumber Tuna Tofu Salad
Cucumber Tuna Tofu Salad
A Must-Try Combination! Cucumber, Tuna, and Tofu with a Delicious Sesame Dressing
This refreshing salad, featuring crisp cucumbers, tender tofu, and savory tuna, is elevated by a delightful sesame dressing. It’s a dish that even my picky daughter praised, calling it ‘Mom, this is really delicious!’ This Cucumber Tuna Tofu Salad becomes even more flavorful as it sits in the refrigerator. Be sure to make it!
Main Ingredients- 1-2 cucumbers (choose fresh and crisp ones)
- 1/2 block of tofu (firm or regular)
- 3 Tbsp canned tuna (drained very well)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Dressing Ingredients- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (for savory depth)
- 2 tsp vinegar (for brightness and crispness)
- 2 tsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1.5 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds (for rich nutty flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (for a hint of pungency)
- 1 Tbsp tuna extract (for savory depth)
- 2 tsp vinegar (for brightness and crispness)
- 2 tsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1.5 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds (for rich nutty flavor)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic (for a hint of pungency)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the ends. Slice them thinly into half-moon or round shapes, about 0.3 cm thick. Thin slices allow the flavors to meld better and create a pleasing texture.
Step 2
In a bowl, place the sliced cucumbers and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt. Gently mix and let them sit for 3-5 minutes to draw out moisture. This step helps to keep the cucumbers crisp. After salting, squeeze out as much water as possible by hand. This prevents the salad from becoming watery and bland.
Step 3
Drain the tofu thoroughly by pressing it between paper towels or a clean cloth. Removing excess water from the tofu is crucial to avoid a soggy salad and ensure the flavors are concentrated.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine the tuna extract (1 Tbsp), vinegar (2 tsp), sugar (2 tsp), crushed toasted sesame seeds (1.5 Tbsp), and minced garlic (1/2 Tbsp). Whisk well to create the dressing. Crushing the sesame seeds releases more of their nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 5
In a larger bowl, combine the drained cucumbers, pressed tofu, and well-drained tuna (3 Tbsp). Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the dressing evenly coats all components. If you like a bit of heat, finely chop the Cheongyang chili pepper and add it now. Mix gently until well combined. Your delicious Cucumber Tuna Tofu Salad is ready to serve!
