Cucumber Vinegar Sauce Recipe from Thailand

Cucumber Vinegar Sauce

Cucumber Vinegar Sauce Recipe from Thailand
Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cucumber Vinegar Sauce
Cucumber Vinegar Sauce

Cucumber vinegar sauce is a tangy and refreshing condiment that adds a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. This versatile sauce can be used as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or marinade, making it a must-have in any kitchen.

History

The origins of cucumber vinegar sauce can be traced back to Asian cuisine, where the combination of vinegar, sugar, and chili paste is commonly used to create a sweet and spicy flavor profile. Over time, variations of this sauce have emerged in different cultures, each adding their own unique twist to the recipe.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a small pan over medium heat, combine the first three ingredients and heat gently until the sugar is dissolved and the chile paste is thoroughly mixed.
  2. Remove the pan from heat and pour the mixture into a bowl.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  4. Stir in the coriander and cucumber, and serve immediately. Alternatively, you can store the mixture in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Variations

  • Add diced red bell pepper or jalapenos for extra heat.
  • Mix in some grated ginger or garlic for additional flavor.
  • Substitute honey or agave nectar for the sugar for a different sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use distilled white vinegar for the best flavor in this sauce.

- Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your taste preferences – start with a small amount and add more if desired.

- For a smoother sauce, blend the ingredients together in a food processor or blender.

- Store the sauce in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for longer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings.

- Drizzle it over a salad for a refreshing and tangy dressing.

- Use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the vinegar and sugar mixture until the sugar is dissolved to create a smooth sauce.

- Allow the sauce to cool before adding the cucumber and cilantro to preserve their freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for white vinegar.

- Swap out the cilantro for fresh mint or basil for a different herb flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the sauce in a small bowl with a garnish of fresh cilantro or sliced cucumbers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this sauce with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

- Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

100 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

0g per serving

Proteins

0g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This sauce is a good source of vitamin C and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Summary

This cucumber vinegar sauce is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy addition to your meals.

Summary

Cucumber vinegar sauce is a simple and delicious condiment that adds a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes. With its tangy and refreshing taste, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I had just come back from the local farmer's market with a basket full of fresh cucumbers. As I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother, I stumbled upon a page that caught my eye - Cucumber Vinegar Sauce.

I had never heard of such a recipe before, but the combination of cucumbers and vinegar intrigued me. I could almost taste the tangy sweetness just by reading the ingredients list. Without hesitation, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work in the kitchen.

The recipe called for cucumbers, onions, vinegar, sugar, salt, and a few other seasonings. It seemed simple enough, but as I started chopping the cucumbers and onions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. I remembered my grandmother telling me stories of how she used to make this sauce for family gatherings and picnics in the park. It was a staple in our family, a recipe that had been passed down for generations.

As the sauce simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its delicious aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I was carrying on a tradition, preserving a piece of my family's history through food. It was a powerful feeling, one that made me appreciate the importance of passing down recipes and stories to future generations.

When the sauce was finally done, I couldn't wait to taste it. I spooned some over a piece of grilled chicken and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the crispness of the cucumbers, the tanginess of the vinegar, the sweetness of the sugar. It was perfect.

From that day on, Cucumber Vinegar Sauce became a regular fixture in my kitchen. I made it for every family gathering, every potluck, every barbecue. It was always a hit, and people would often ask me for the recipe. I would smile and tell them the story of how I discovered it in my grandmother's old cookbook, how it had become a symbol of tradition and family for me.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own touch to it. Sometimes I would add a dash of dill or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. But no matter how I changed it, the essence of the recipe remained the same - a simple, yet flavorful sauce that brought people together.

I have shared this recipe with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have become friends. Each time I make it, I feel a connection to my past, to my grandmother and all the women who came before her. Cooking this sauce is more than just following a recipe - it's a way of honoring my heritage, of keeping alive the traditions that have shaped me into the person I am today.

As I sit here writing this, with a jar of Cucumber Vinegar Sauce cooling on the counter, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes that have been passed down to me. They are more than just instructions for making a meal - they are a link to my past, a connection to my roots. And for that, I am eternally thankful.

Categories

| Cilantro Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Sauce Recipes | Thai Recipes | Thai Vegetarian | White Vinegar Recipes |

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