30 minutes
This Chilled Sichuan Cucumber Salad with Toasted Chile Oil is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the crispness of cucumbers with the bold heat of Sichuan spices. Perfect as a starter or a side dish, it’s a great way to add a touch of spice to your meal.
Garlic Clove, minced
each
teaspoons
teaspoons
Ground Sichuan Peppercorns
teaspoons
cups
Seedless English Cucumbers
0 lb
tablespoons
teaspoons
teaspoons
1. Prepare the spice mixture
Add the minced garlic, Sichuan chili flakes, toasted sesame seeds, and ground Sichuan peppercorns to a small heatproof bowl.
2. Heat the oil
Heat the neutral oil in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to shimmer.
3. Infuse the oil
Carefully pour the hot oil over the spice mixture in the bowl. Use a rubber spatula to scrape any remaining oil from the saucepan into the bowl. Allow this mixture to cool completely.
4. Prepare the cucumbers
Trim the ends of the cucumbers and cut them into pieces roughly 2 inches long and 0.5 inch thick. Place the cucumber pieces in a large bowl and add the rice vinegar, sugar, and fine sea salt. Toss to coat.
5. Combine and serve
Once the oil mixture has cooled, combine it with the cucumbers. Toss everything together until the cucumbers are well coated with the flavorful toasted chile oil.
For a more substantial dish, top the salad with silken tofu cubes, shredded chicken, or even cold Sichuan beef slices to add protein and make it a complete meal.
Adding Protein . Tofu
Instead of serving the cucumbers fresh, quickly pickle them in your chosen vinegar along with a touch of sugar and salt before tossing with the other ingredients for a tangy variation.
Swap out the typical black vinegar for different types of acid to change the profile. Try using rice vinegar for a lighter touch, apple cider vinegar for a fruity note, or even a dash of balsamic for a sweet and complex flavor.
Flavor Variations . Citrus Twist
Infuse high-quality, neutral oil with chile flakes at a low temperature and consider adding Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing sensation.
Opt for English or Persian cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin than regular cucumbers.
Serve the cucumbers chilled for a refreshing contrast with the warm, spicy dressing.
Adjust the dressing with a balance of heat, tanginess, and sweetness, and consider adding soy sauce or tamari for depth.
Source authentic Sichuan peppercorns and chile flakes for a more authentic flavor profile.
Comments (0)