Copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
If you’ve ever dined at Din Tai Fung, you know their signature cucumber salad is the perfect balance of crisp, refreshing, and boldly seasoned flavours. The good news? You can now recreate this iconic dish at home with just a handful of ingredients! This copycat Din Tai Fung cucumber salad is a simple yet impressive appetizer or side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
Perfect Balance: A mix of salty, tangy, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavours.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy this Din Tai Fung favourite without leaving your kitchen!
INGREDIENTS
1 cucumber
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili oil
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon chopped chives
METHOD
1. Prepare the Cucumber
Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it into thin, round slices (about a few millimetres thick).
Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse & Dry
After 30 minutes, rinse the cucumbers under running water to remove the salt.
Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they absorb the dressing properly.
3. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and chili oil until well combined.
4. Combine & Marinate
Add the cucumber slices to the dressing and stir well to coat each piece evenly.
Let the cucumbers marinate for 10 minutes to soak up the flavours.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped chives for an extra layer of texture and aroma.
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing, umami-packed salad!
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
✔ Use Persian or English cucumbers for a crisp texture and fewer seeds.
✔ Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili oil.
✔ Let it sit longer for a deeper, more intense flavour.
This Copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is the ultimate light and refreshing dish, perfect as a side for dumplings, noodles, or even on its own. Enjoy this restaurant favourite in the comfort of your home!
