Diao Yu Tai (Cucumber Salad)

May 18, 2023May 18, 20230 14

Diao Yu Tai Cucumber Salad with a tangy and sweet dressing

by The Chefin Salad

Prep

10 min

Cook

5 min

Ready In

45 min

Level

Very easy

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

Sugar

23g

Fat

Diao Yu Tai Cucumber Salad is a classic Chinese side dish that is often served with spicy Szechuan cuisine. The salad gets its name from the Diao Yu Tai scenic area in Beijing, where it was said to be a favorite of Empress Dowager Cixi. The salad is made with thinly sliced kirby cucumbers, which are seasoned with salt to draw out their water content, and then tossed with a tangy and sweet dressing. The addition of toasted Sichuan or Thai dried red peppers gives the salad a nice kick of heat. The salad is refreshing and easy to make, and it is sure to become a new favorite side dish in your household.

Instructions

1.	Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle salt over them and mix well. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out the excess water.
2.	In a small pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the dried red peppers and toast until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
3.	In a separate bowl, mix together white vinegar and sugar until the sugar has dissolved completely.
4.	Drain any excess liquid from the cucumber bowl. Add the toasted red peppers and the vinegar mixture. Toss well to combine.
5.	Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

PROS

Diao Yu Tai Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

The tangy and sweet dressing is simple yet delicious.

Cucumbers are low in calories and high in nutrients, making this salad a healthy choice.

CONS

The amount of sugar in the recipe may be too sweet for some people.

The Sichuan or Thai dried red peppers may be difficult to find in some areas.

Cucumbers may be hard to digest for people with sensitive stomachs.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin C and K, and they also contain antioxidants that may help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Vinegar has been shown to help with blood sugar control and weight management.

	2 kirby cucumbers , about 4 to 5 inches long
	1/4 teaspoon salt
	1 tablespoon vegetable oil
	4 dried red peppers ( Sichuan or Thai )
	1 cup white vinegar
	1 cup sugar