Spicy & Refreshing Wasabi Cucumber Salad
Spicy & Refreshing Wasabi Cucumber Salad
How to Make a Delicious Vegan Wasabi Cucumber Salad with a Zesty Kick!
Hello everyone! Today, I’m sharing a super simple yet incredibly appetizing vegan side dish: ‘Wasabi Cucumber Salad’. It’s so easy to make, you might even call it ‘ultra-simple’, and it tastes surprisingly delicious, making it perfect for a quick side whenever the craving strikes. Do you often enjoy cucumber salad? I personally love cucumbers, whether in a salad or even just raw. While typical cucumber salads often feature chili powder for a spicy kick, today we’re shaking things up by using pungent wasabi instead. Wasabi in cucumber salad, you ask? It’s surprisingly delightful! Let me walk you through how to make this uniquely flavorful Wasabi Cucumber Salad.
Ingredients- 2 fresh cucumbers (approx. 300-400g)
- 1 Tbsp wasabi paste
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly under running water and pat them dry. Slice them thinly, about 0.3 cm thick. This thickness ensures a crisp texture and allows the dressing to penetrate well without the cucumbers becoming too soft or too tough.
Step 2
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and add 1 Tbsp of salt. Gently mix the salt into the cucumbers to ensure even distribution. This salting process draws out excess moisture, making the cucumbers crispier and more receptive to the dressing. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to salt.
Step 3
After 20 minutes, squeeze out the excess water from the salted cucumbers by hand. You can then place them in a colander and gently press to remove any remaining moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a delightfully crisp salad texture.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the dressing. In a separate bowl, combine 1 Tbsp of wasabi paste for that zesty kick, 1 Tbsp of vinegar for a refreshing tang, and 1 Tbsp of sugar for a touch of sweetness. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are smoothly blended.
Step 5
Add the drained cucumbers to the dressing. Gently toss the cucumbers with the dressing, being careful not to overmix, which could break down their crispness. Aim to coat each slice evenly with the flavorful mixture.
Step 6
Once the cucumbers are well-coated, transfer the Wasabi Cucumber Salad to your serving dish. Presenting it nicely in a bowl will make it look even more appealing.
Step 7
Finally, sprinkle 1/2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the salad for a nutty aroma and visual appeal. Your zesty and refreshing Wasabi Cucumber Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Savor the wonderful combination of crisp cucumber and invigorating wasabi.
