Taiwanese-Inspired Cucumber Salad
Fresh, crisp Canadian cucumber, Taiwanese style. Garlic, sesame oil, fresh chili, lemon juice, and maple syrup all come together in a simple salad that's utterly delicious.
The taste of Spring harvest @ Montreal
4/29/2025
Servings: 4 Portions
INGREDIENTS
2 cucumbers (approximately 450g each), cut into strips
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 fresh red chili, finely chopped (for a milder version, use approximately 2 cm)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon maple syrup
1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice (3 times ½ teaspoon)
½ teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Cucumber:
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Remove the ends. Then, cut the entire cucumber into strips approximately 5 cm (about 2 inches) long, avoiding the seedy center.
2. Draw Out Excess Water:
In a large bowl, combine the cucumber strips and salt. Toss gently and let them sit for 30 minutes. This process helps remove excess water, resulting in a crisper salad.
3. Prepare the Taiwanese-Inspired Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the finely chopped garlic, red chili, maple syrup, lemon juice, sesame oil, and olive oil until well combined.
4. Drain the Cucumber:
After 30 minutes, drain the water that has been released from the cucumber strips. You can gently squeeze the cucumber to remove any remaining liquid. Transfer the drained cucumber to a clean bowl.
5. Combine and Serve:
Pour the prepared dressing over the drained cucumber strips. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure the cucumber is evenly coated.
Voila! Your refreshing and flavorful Taiwanese-inspired Canadian cucumber salad is ready to enjoy.
