The moment you step into a bustling Dim Sum restaurant, your senses awaken to the aromatic allure of sizzling dumplings, the inviting scent of roasted meats, and the bright chatter of happy diners. Among these delightful offerings, the Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Din Tai Fung Copycat) stands out, with its vibrant colors and enticing crunch. The sight of perfectly sliced cucumbers combined with a spicy, tangy dressing is enough to make your mouth water. Picture the delicate, thin-skinned Persian cucumbers glistening with a glossy sauce, garnished with vibrant red Fresno peppers.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Din Tai Fung Copycat)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad (Din Tai Fung Copycat)

Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad (Din Tai Fung Copycat)

Growing up, my family often frequented our local Dim Sum spot on special occasions. The excitement of ordering small plates to share with loved ones is a cherished memory, and this spicy cucumber salad always found its way to our table. Every bite transports me to those happy moments, filled with laughter and love. Now, I bring that joy into my kitchen to share with you. It’s fun to recreate this beloved dish at home, and I invite you to whip up your own batch of this lively salad that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or any gathering. Are you ready to experience this delightful crunch?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just 15 minutes, you’ll have an irresistible salad that’s ready to please everyone at your table.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with a tantalizing balance of heat, tang, and crunch that will have you craving more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The luscious green cucumbers and vibrant red garnishes make this salad a showstopper.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish, a zesty appetizer at parties, or even as a light snack!
Diet-Friendly Options: This salad can easily be made gluten-free and is perfect for vegan diets too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound Persian cucumbers: These thin-skinned beauties are perfect for a satisfying crunch. You can use other cucumber varieties, but Persian cucumbers are the ideal choice for their sweetness and texture.
2 teaspoons kosher salt: This is key to drawing moisture out of the cucumbers, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Any coarse salt can work, but kosher is preferred for its texture.
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced: Garlic adds pungency and depth to the dressing, creating an aromatic experience. Fresh is best; however, you can substitute with pre-sliced garlic if you’re short on time.
1 teaspoon chili oil: This ingredient provides a kick—adjust the amount for your desired heat level. If you’re sensitive to spices, you can use a mild chili oil or skip it entirely.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil: This enhances the nutty flavor, making the salad richer. Skip it if you’re looking for a lighter version, although you’ll miss that signature taste.
2 teaspoons soy sauce: This savory addition ties all the flavors together. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used if you need a gluten-free alternative.
1 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar: This adds a tangy zing that cuts through the heat. You can use apple cider vinegar as a substitute in a pinch.
1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Balancing out the heat is important. Feel free to use honey, agave, or your preferred sweetener if you’d like.
2-4 tablespoons warm water: The water adjusts the consistency of the dressing. Start with two tablespoons, adding more if needed for your desired thickness.
Optional garnish: Red Fresno pepper slices and toasted sesame seeds add color and crunch, making the dish visually stunning.

How to Make Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Din Tai Fung Copycat)

Slice Cucumbers: Start by taking your pound of Persian cucumbers and slice them crosswise into ¾-inch thick pieces. The crunchiness of the cucumbers should be your priority—these thick cuts will hold up beautifully against the spiced sauce. Plus, their vibrant green color makes for a visually appealing dish!

Salt and Sweat: Next, take the sliced cucumbers and place them in a colander. Toss them gently with the kosher salt, and set aside for 30 minutes to up to 2 hours. This step allows the cucumbers to sweat out excess moisture, intensifying their flavor and crunchiness. Catch a whiff of the fragrant garlic as you wait—your kitchen will feel inviting!

Prepare the Dressing: While the cucumbers are doing their thing, grab a small bowl and combine the garlic slices, chili oil, and sesame oil. Using a spoon, rub the garlic into the oil to release its bold flavor. Let it sit for a few minutes as this infusion enhances the dressing’s taste, intensifying the aromatic experience awaiting you.

Mix Sauces: Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, granulated sugar, and two tablespoons of warm water to your garlic oil mixture. Stir well until the sugar dissolves—you want to achieve a perfect balance between salty, sweet, and spicy. Give it a taste! Adjust the seasoning for your preference; if it needs more sweetness or salt, feel free to add.

Rinse and Dry: Once the cucumbers have sweated, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove the excess salt. Pat them dry gently with paper towels; this step is crucial to achieving that coveted crispiness. You’ll notice the cucumbers are much firmer now, ready to soak in those delicious flavors.

Toss Together: Place the rinsed cucumbers in a bowl and toss them with the prepared sauce. This is where the magic happens! Ensure each piece is coated evenly. Then transfer your salad to a shallow serving dish or a rimmed plate to catch any delicious overflow.

Apply the Sauce: Pour the remaining sauce generously over the cucumbers. Optionally, you can remove the garlic slices before serving to cater to those who might prefer it that way. The sight of the glossy sauce clinging to the vibrant green pieces will make anyone’s mouth water!

Garnish and Serve: Finally, top your beautiful cucumber salad with a sprinkle of sliced Fresno pepper and toasted sesame seeds for added color and texture. This is the finishing touch that makes your dish not only delightful to eat but stunning to look at—perfect for impressing friends or loved ones!

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftover Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad, keep it at room temperature for about two hours. If you won’t be eating it right away, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight! However, the cucumbers may lose a bit of their crunch. If you want to freeze it, you can do so, but enjoy it within three months for the best taste. When ready to dig in again, no reheating is necessary; just toss and enjoy!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-salting the cucumbers! Ensure you rinse them well post-salting to maintain balance.
If you love garlic, slice extra cloves and let them mingle in the oil for an even stronger flavor kick.
Adjust the thickness of your dressing by playing with the warm water; a thicker sauce will cling better to the cucumbers.
Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it separately. Just toss with cucumbers before serving for a fresher crunch.
Experiment with garnishes like cilantro or green onions for a fresh twist—be creative!

The balance of flavors and textures in this Valentine Easy Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe (Din Tai Fung Copycat) will leave you wondering why you didn’t make it sooner. Whether it’s for a romantic dinner, a fun get-together, or simply a delightful snack, this salad is your ticket to a refreshing experience. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients and make this dish your own! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it separately. Just toss it with the cucumbers right before serving to maintain that lovely crunch!

What if I don’t have all the ingredients?

No worries! You can substitute the Persian cucumbers with any other cucumber variety, and if you don’t have chili oil, you can simply use olive oil with a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Get creative with what you have!

How can I make it spicier?

If you love heat, feel free to increase the chili oil or add slices of fresh chili peppers to the salad for that extra kick. You could also add a touch of Sriracha or other hot sauces if you’re feeling adventurous!

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even radishes to add more color and crunch to your salad. The dressing works well with a variety of fresh veggies—so get creative!