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The Tofu Technique I Wish I’d Known

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Rainbow Plant Life
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3 recipes
vegetarianplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Originating from China, Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish often served as a side during summer months. It embodies the balance of flavors—salty, tangy, and slightly spicy—typical of Chinese cuisine. This salad is not only popular in Chinese households but has also gained international appeal for its simplicity and vibrant taste, making it a favorite at gatherings and barbecues.

Ingredients

  • cucumbers
  • garlic
  • soy sauce
  • rice vinegar
  • sesame oil
  • sugar
  • red pepper flakes
  • green onions
  • cilantro
  • salt

Instructions

  1. 1Smash cucumbers with the flat side of a knife until cracked but not completely broken.
  2. 2Cut smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
  3. 3Mince garlic and add to the bowl with cucumbers.
  4. 4Pour soy sauce and rice vinegar over the cucumbers.
  5. 5Drizzle sesame oil into the mixture.
  6. 6Sprinkle sugar and red pepper flakes over the salad.
  7. 7Season with salt to taste and mix well.
  8. 8Chop green onions and cilantro, then add to the salad.
  9. 9Toss everything together until well combined.
  10. 10Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: salt + water

Tamari is gluten-free while salt + water is a budget-friendly alternative.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil offers heart-healthy fats, while vegetable oil is more affordable.

rice vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has health benefits, while white vinegar is cost-effective.

sugar

Healthier: honey

Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey adds natural sweetness, while agave syrup is often cheaper.

Techniques

smashingmixing

Equipment

knifecutting boardmixing bowl
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumsoy

Also Known As

Smashed CucumbersChinese Cucumber Salad
vegetarianplant-baseddairy-freeegg-freegluten-freenut-freesoy-free

Originating from various regions in China, Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish often enjoyed during hot summer months. It highlights the use of fresh vegetables and bold flavors, making it a staple at picnics and family gatherings. Today, this salad has gained popularity worldwide, often featured in Chinese restaurants and adapted with local ingredients.

Ingredients

  • cucumbers
  • garlic
  • soy sauce
  • rice vinegar
  • sesame oil
  • sugar
  • chili oil
  • green onions
  • cilantro
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Smash cucumbers with a rolling pin or flat object until slightly broken.
  2. 2Cut smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl.
  3. 3Mince garlic and add to the bowl with cucumbers.
  4. 4Pour soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil over the cucumbers.
  5. 5Sprinkle sugar, salt, and pepper into the mixture.
  6. 6Add chili oil to taste and mix well to combine.
  7. 7Chop green onions and cilantro, then fold them into the salad.
  8. 8Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  9. 9Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredient Alternatives

soy sauce

Healthier: tamari

Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos is often less expensive.

sesame oil

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers a healthier fat profile.

rice vinegar

Healthier: apple cider vinegar

Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note.

chili oil

Healthier: sriracha

Cheaper: red pepper flakes

Sriracha provides flavor without the oil.

Techniques

smashingmixingchopping

Equipment

bowlrolling pinknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Mediumsoy

Also Known As

Smashed Cucumber SaladPounded Cucumber Salad

Lettuce wraps are a popular dish in various cuisines, often served as a fresh and healthy appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

  • 1 head of butter lettuce
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, julienned
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1Wash and separate the leaves of the butter lettuce, pat them dry, and set aside.
  2. 2In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, carrots, cucumber, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.
  3. 3In a separate small bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using) to create the dipping sauce.
  4. 4To assemble, take a lettuce leaf and fill it with a spoonful of the chicken and vegetable mixture.
  5. 5Drizzle some of the dipping sauce over the filling in the lettuce leaf.
  6. 6Wrap the lettuce around the filling and secure it with a toothpick if necessary.
  7. 7Repeat the process with the remaining lettuce leaves and filling.
  8. 8Serve the lettuce wraps with the remaining dipping sauce on the side.

Equipment

mixing bowlsmall bowltoothpicks (optional)

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