Sweet & sour cucumber
Sweet & sour cucumber is a refreshing dish combining crisp cucumbers with tangy vinegar, sweet sugar, and a hint of spice from chili peppers. This quick recipe is ideal as a light appetizer or vibrant side salad.
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp vinegar1 tbsp sugar
2 garlic cloves
2 red hot chili peppers
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 cucumbers
1/2 red onion
2 tsp coriander leaves
Sweet & sour cucumber is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the crispness of cucumbers with a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light appetizer or a vibrant side dish that will enliven any meal.
Instructions:
- Peel the cucumbers and cut them into batons or thin slices, as per your preference. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt over the cucumber pieces. Toss to coat evenly. Allow the cucumbers to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This will draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp vinegar and 1 tbsp sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the minced garlic, thinly sliced red hot chili peppers, and 1 tsp black pepper to the vinegar-sugar mixture. Mix well.
- After the cucumbers have released their moisture, drain off the excess liquid. You can gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any additional water if necessary.
- In the large mixing bowl with the drained cucumbers, add the thinly sliced red onion and the vinegar mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure the cucumbers and onions are well coated with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a container with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Garnish with roughly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- This sweet & sour cucumber salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light appetizer. Enjoy the harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!
Enjoy your sweet & sour cucumber as a refreshing side dish or a palate-cleansing appetizer. The delightful combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, along with the crisp texture of the cucumbers, makes this dish a standout addition to any meal.
Sweet & sour cucumber FAQ:
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the dish.
Yes, you can substitute other types of vinegar, such as rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar, for the recipe. However, this may slightly alter the overall flavor profile.
If the cucumbers are still watery after salting, you can gently squeeze them to remove excess moisture before proceeding with the marinade. This will help the salad maintain its crispness.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume them within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
If you don't have red hot chili peppers, you can use other chili varieties like jalapeños or even crushed red pepper flakes for a different level of heat.
Tips:
- Use fresh and firm cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- Allow the cucumbers to marinate in the mixture for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with additional coriander leaves for an extra burst of freshness and color.
- For a more intense flavor, you can lightly smash the cucumbers before cutting them, which allows them to better absorb the marinade.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 44kcal
Protein 1.36g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 1.30g
Sugar 6g
Fat 0.25g
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