Laotian Cucumber Salad

Laotian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Authentic Flavors of Laos

Region / culture: Laos | Preparation time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Laotian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. This salad is a popular side dish in Laos and is often served alongside grilled meats or sticky rice. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and spicy chili sauce makes for a delicious and unique flavor profile.

History

Cucumber salads are a common dish in many Asian cuisines, including Laotian cuisine. In Laos, cucumbers are a staple ingredient and are often used in salads and pickles. The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili sauce in this recipe gives the traditional cucumber salad a Laotian twist.

Ingredients

4 cucumbers, peeled
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
4 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
A few drops of chili sauce

How to prepare

Slice the cucumbers lengthwise. Sprinkle salt on the cut sides, then place them cut-side down on paper towels to drain. After 30 minutes, pat them dry.
Slice the cucumbers into 0.5 inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Sprinkle the mixture on the cucumbers and toss to coat. Let them sit for 1 hour before serving.

Variations

Add sliced red onions or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color.
Substitute rice vinegar with lime juice for a tangier taste.
Add chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to peel the cucumbers before slicing them to remove any bitterness from the skin.

- Allowing the cucumbers to sit with salt before adding the dressing helps to draw out excess moisture and enhances the flavor.

- For a spicier salad, add more chili sauce to taste.

- This salad is best served chilled, so be sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is best served alongside grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, and sticky rice.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to slice the cucumbers thinly for a more delicate texture.

- Toss the cucumbers gently with the dressing to ensure that they are evenly coated.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute rice wine vinegar with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to toss it again before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a pop of color. - Serve the salad in a decorative bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef.

- Serve the salad alongside a bowl of sticky rice for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- This salad is best served chilled and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

80 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

3g per serving

Proteins

2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy sauce, which may contain gluten. Be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce if needed.

Summary

This Laotian Cucumber Salad is a low-calorie dish that is high in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and delicious side dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Laotian Cucumber Salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its crunchy cucumbers, tangy dressing, and spicy chili sauce, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy this traditional Laotian dish as a side dish or as a light and healthy snack.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Laotian Cucumber Salad. It was many years ago, during one of my trips to the local farmer's market, that I stumbled upon a small stand run by a sweet elderly Laotian woman. She was selling an assortment of fresh vegetables and herbs, each one more vibrant and fragrant than the last.

As I perused her offerings, my eyes landed on a basket of crisp cucumbers, perfectly green and glistening in the sunlight. I couldn't resist buying a few, and as I reached for them, the woman smiled warmly at me. "Ah, you like cucumbers, yes? You must try my special salad recipe," she said in broken English.

Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she obliged, scribbling it down on a scrap of paper with a smile. "It is a family recipe, passed down through generations. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do," she said as she handed me the paper.

I thanked her profusely and made my way home, eager to try out this new dish. The recipe called for simple ingredients - cucumbers, shallots, garlic, chili peppers, fish sauce, lime juice, and a sprinkle of sugar. But it was the combination of these ingredients that intrigued me the most. I had never tasted anything quite like it before.

As I sliced the cucumbers and minced the shallots and garlic, the fragrant aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me to a far-off land. I could almost imagine the bustling markets and colorful spices of Laos as I mixed the ingredients together, the flavors melding into a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

When I took my first bite of the Laotian Cucumber Salad, I was immediately hooked. The crisp texture of the cucumbers paired perfectly with the tangy lime juice and fish sauce, while the spicy chili peppers added a kick of heat that lingered on my tongue. It was a taste sensation unlike any other, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the Laotian Cucumber Salad countless times, each batch bringing back memories of that fateful day at the farmer's market. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its unique flavors and refreshing taste. It has become a signature dish of mine, a reminder of the generosity and kindness of that sweet Laotian woman who shared her family recipe with me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover this delicious dish, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and people who have enriched my life through food. The Laotian Cucumber Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of curiosity and the joy of discovering new flavors and traditions.

And so, I continue to cook and create, drawing inspiration from the recipes and stories that have been passed down to me over the years. Each dish I make is a testament to the love and dedication that goes into preparing a meal, a reflection of the rich tapestry of flavors and cultures that make up our world. And I am grateful for every bite that brings me closer to the people and places that have shaped my culinary journey.