🥗 Asian Sesame-Cucumber Salad 🥢
Description:
The Asian Sesame-Cucumber Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that hails from the diverse and vibrant world of Asian cuisine. It’s a light and healthy salad featuring crisp cucumber slices, tossed in a flavorful dressing that’s both tangy and sweet with a hint of sesame. This dish is a popular side or appetizer, especially in countries like Japan and China, but its popularity has spread worldwide thanks to its delicious taste and health benefits.
History:
The history of this salad is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Asia, where cucumbers have been cultivated for thousands of years. Cucumbers have long been enjoyed for their cooling properties in regions with hot climates. The addition of sesame seeds and a flavorful dressing likely evolved over time, creating the delicious salad we know today.
Components:
- Cucumbers: Crispy, fresh cucumbers are the star of this dish. They are typically sliced thinly or into matchsticks.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds are used to add a nutty and slightly smoky flavor.
- Dressing: The dressing typically consists of a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar or honey, and minced garlic.
- Optional Additions: Some variations may include additional ingredients such as thinly sliced red onion, grated ginger, or red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Steps to Prepare Asian Sesame-Cucumber Salad:
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Prep Cucumbers: Wash and peel (if desired) the cucumbers. Slice them thinly or cut them into matchsticks. You can also use a mandoline slicer for uniform cuts.
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Toast Sesame Seeds: In a dry skillet, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them, as they can become bitter.
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Prepare Dressing: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar or honey, and minced garlic. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your taste.
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Combine Ingredients: Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat them evenly.
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Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and toss again.
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Chill: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve: Once chilled, serve your Asian Sesame-Cucumber Salad as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this salad is relatively quick. You can prepare it in about 15-20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a last-minute addition to your meal or a quick and healthy snack. The chilling time is not included in this estimate, so plan for an additional 15-30 minutes for the salad to cool in the refrigerator before serving.
Enjoy this healthy and delightful Asian Sesame-Cucumber Salad, perfect for any season and a great accompaniment to a wide range of dishes! 🥒🍯🥢
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asian Sesame-Cucumber Salad:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 60-80 kcal
- Total Fat: 3-4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Sodium: 300-400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugars: 4-5g
- Protein: 1-2g
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: Asian Sesame-Cucumber Salad is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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High in Hydration: Cucumbers have a high water content, which helps keep you hydrated, especially during hot weather.
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Rich in Fiber: Cucumbers are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help you feel full, which may be beneficial for weight management.
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Heart-Healthy: The salad’s dressing contains heart-healthy unsaturated fats from sesame oil. It’s also typically low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
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Source of Antioxidants: Sesame seeds and soy sauce contain antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
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Low in Added Sugar: While the dressing may contain a small amount of sugar or honey for flavor, it’s typically not overly sweet, making it a better option for those watching their sugar intake.
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Gluten-Free and Vegan Options: If prepared with gluten-free soy sauce, this salad can be a suitable choice for individuals with gluten sensitivity or vegans.
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Nutrient Variety: Although this salad is relatively low in calories, it provides a variety of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
Please note that the exact nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used in your recipe, so it’s a good idea to consult the nutrition label of the specific products you use for the most accurate information.
