Spicy Thai Cucumber Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep cucumbers crisp in cucumber salad? ›

If you want to keep cucumber slices in the fridge but are finding that they become soggy and lose their freshness too often, then try infusing them in lemon and salt. Both lemon and salt work together to keep cucumbers firm for a longer time!

The solution: The standard recommendation for ridding watery vegetable such as cucumbers of unwanted moisture is to salt them. The salt draws out the liquid from the vegetable because of the natural tendency of salt water solutions to equalize when mixed together.

Should you peel your cucumbers for cucumber salad? Again, it depends on the variety and maturity of the cucumber. English or Persian cucumbers have thin skins which you do not need to peel. Regular market cucumbers may have thicker peels that can be tough and bitter, so it's best to peel those.

No, cucumber is not a salad, but it's an ingredient for salad. Salads are healthy. And cucumber has many health benefits and you can eat cucumber raw.

Just place the slices or chunks in a colander over a bowl or sink. Sprinkle them with a couple of pinches of salt, toss to coat, and let them rest for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel and proceed with the recipe.

Salt can bring out the natural flavours of cucumbers and make them taste more vibrant. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over sliced cucumbers and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse the cucumbers with water to remove the salt and pat them dry. The result will be a crisper and tastier cucumber.

When you salt cucumber pieces or slices and let them sit for 30 minutes in a colander, the salt draws out excess moisture which then drains away. This means that the cucumber will release less water into whatever dish you're adding it to, such as tzatziki, tabbouleh, Greek salad, or potato salad.

One of the most common reasons why a cucumber is bitter is due to heat stress. If a plant is stressed due to heat, it may start producing bitter cucumbers. Another possibility for what causes bitter cucumber is when a cucumber goes through alternating periods of drought and overwatering.

This salt treatment draws water out of the cucumbers and flavors them, so it's critically important. After layering or mixing in plenty of sea salt, I cover the salted cukes with ice cubes and a tea towel and forget about them for a few hours.

Persian Cucumbers

They have a mild flavor and thin skins, so they're great sliced or chopped for salads and snacking, or even tossed in the blender to make a Spicy Cucumber Margarita.

What does a cucumber salad contain? ›

This Easy Cucumber Salad has thinly sliced cucumbers and onions tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette for a classic side dish that's perfect for any meal or gathering. Cucumber Salad is a total classic!

Therefore, most of the time, the combination of cucumber and tomato is advised to be avoided. Additionally, they both have a completely different way of digestion, so this combination must be avoided as it can lead to stomach upset."

Tomatoes are higher in immune-boosting vitamin C than cucumbers. They are a good source of vitamin K, which ensures that blood can clot so wounds heal properly.

If the cucumber has a milky, white sheen on the outside, it's a no-go. You should also inspect them for mold. Even if it looks like the mold is isolated to one spot, it is better to play it safe and just toss it in the trash. Dark spots can also be an indicator that your cucumber is no longer a viable snack option.

About this method: To keep cucumbers extra crunchy, Epicurious touts this method: Wash them, thoroughly dry them, wrap them in a dish towel or paper towel, place them in an unsealed plastic bag to allow some airflow, and place them in the crisper drawer.

Using Plastic Wrap

According to Cook's Illustrated, wrapped cucumbers lasted longer than cucumbers stored loose or in a Ziploc bag: "The plastic wrap formed an airtight second skin, keeping moisture from leaving the fruit and nearly preventing moisture loss from occurring."

Soak Cucumbers In Ice Water Beforehand

If you're not canning your cucumbers immediately, leave them in an ice bath or in your refrigerator overnight to maintain firmness. Doing this before you start canning them will give you the crunchiest pickles you've ever had!

Soak Cucumbers in Ice Water

Place your cucumbers in a large container and cover them with water and ice cubes so that they are well submerged. You can also leave them in the fridge. The ice water bath can last from 3 hours to an entire night.