Across the diverse culinary landscapes of Asia, the humble cucumber emerges as a hero on the side of fiery dishes. And it's not just about the crunch; it's the cucumber’s delightful cooling effect that really seals the deal.
Imagine this: a salad that's not only tantalizingly tasty but also a breeze to whip up. That’s the magic of our Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad—it’s likely you already have almost everything you need just waiting in your pantry.
For this culinary creation, we start with a mandolin, which delivers impeccably thin slices of cucumber, laying the foundation of our salad. To this, add the sharp contrast of finely sliced red onion and a generous scattering of vibrant edamame.
The dressing? A sublime melody of some mirin, a drizzle of honey, a hint of sesame oil, and just a touch of raw garlic to awaken all your senses.
And just when you think it’s perfect—we sprinkle a dash of cayenne. It’s this final flourish that truly brings the dish to life, offering a gentle kick that brilliantly complements your favorite roasted meats or spicy stir-fries.
So, why wait? Dive into the refreshing world of this delightful cucumber salad and let it be the cool companion to your summer feasts!
warmly,
Devaki
Recipe for:
Asian Style Cooling Cucumber Salad with Edamame
Shopping list:
2 seedless English cucumbers
½ medium or 1 small Spanish red onion
¼ cup frozen, shelled edamame
Dressing:
2 tbsp. Mirin – rice wine vinegar
1 tsp finely chopped garlic (optional)
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp salt
Garnish:
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Preparation:
Edamame: Pour some boiling hot water and soak the edamame for a few minutes. Drain in a sieve.
Cucumber: Â Using a mandolin finely slice the cucumber. Be careful to not cut your fingers!
Onion: Peel, and finely slice.
Dressing: In a microwave safe bowl, add the honey along with the remaining ingredients and whisk to combine.
Method:
In a bowl combine the red onions, edamame and cucumber. Toss with the dressing. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper and serve with some spicy food.
Enjoy!
