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Chinese Cucumber Cold Cakes

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Chinese Cucumber Cold Cakes are a refreshing, light, and vibrant dish that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a cool appetizer at any meal. The combination of crunchy cucumbers with a savory and tangy dressing creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Often served in Chinese cuisine, these cold cakes are a popular dish for their simplicity, quick preparation, and ability to pair perfectly with other dishes. The cool, crisp cucumbers, combined with sesame oil, garlic, and a splash of rice vinegar, make these cakes an unforgettable treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients to make your Chinese Cucumber Cold Cakes:

  • 2 medium cucumbers
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili oil (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Cucumbers:

  1. Peel the Cucumbers: Start by peeling the cucumbers. You can leave the skin on for added texture, but peeling them will make the dish more delicate.
  2. Slice the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thin, round discs or cut them into matchsticks, depending on your preference.
  3. Salt the Cucumbers: Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water, then gently squeeze out any moisture with a clean towel or paper towels.

Make the Dressing:

  1. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. If you like a little heat, you can add the chili oil at this point.
  2. Adjust the Flavor: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce for saltiness, vinegar for acidity, or sugar to balance the flavors.

Assemble the Cold Cakes:

  1. Toss the Cucumbers: Once the cucumbers are dry, place them in a clean bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss gently to ensure all the cucumber slices are coated with the dressing.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Serve:

  1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chinese Cucumber Cold Cakes immediately for the freshest taste. Alternatively, refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.

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