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Din Tai Fung cucumber recipe in dark soy sauce.

Din Tai Fung Cucumber Recipe

Craving the tangy, garlicky crunch of Din Tai Fung's famous cucumbers? This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to recreate this delightful appetizer at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

  •  Cutting board
  • Knife or rolling pin
  • Colander
  • Medium bowl

Ingredients
 

Core Ingredients

  • 2 medium cucumbers about 1 pound total, firm and dark green
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce high-quality
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil toasted
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili oil optional
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Pat them dry.
  • Place the cucumbers on a cutting board. Use the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin to gently smash them. Aim for an irregular, cracked texture.
  • Cut the smashed cucumbers into 1-inch pieces.
  • Place the cut cucumbers in a colander or bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and toss well. Let it rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  • After 10 minutes, drain the cucumbers. Gently squeeze out any remaining water. Pat them dry with paper towels if necessary.
  • Finely mince the fresh garlic cloves.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved completely.
  • Stir in the sesame oil and chili oil (if using). Mix well to combine all the components thoroughly.
  • Add the drained and dried cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated.
  • Let the cucumbers marinate in the dressing for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for best results.
  • Transfer the marinated cucumbers to a serving dish. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. It’s better served chilled.
    Din Tai Fung cucumber recipe being eaten.

Notes

For extra flavor and texture, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before serving. You can also include a small amount of freshly grated ginger to the dressing for a warm flavor boost. Avoid garlic powder and always use fresh garlic. Marinating for too long can cause the cucumbers to lose their crispness, so stick to the recommended time.
Keyword Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian