Crispy Cucumber and Crab Stick Salad with Mustard Dressing
A Refreshing Salad of Crisp Cucumbers and Savory Crab Sticks with a Zesty Mustard Dressing
Here’s a simple yet delightful salad made with crisp cucumbers and flavorful crab sticks. The satisfying crunch of the cucumbers is a real highlight. It’s a perfect side dish to awaken your appetite!
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber (choose a fresh, firm one)
- 2 crab sticks (imitation crab meat, select ones that shred easily)
- 1/2 tsp fine salt (to draw out moisture and season)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance flavor and enhance crispness)
Mustard Dressing- 1 tsp mustard (adjust to your preference; add more for a spicier kick)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 tsp vinegar (for a tangy flavor and to maintain crispness)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance the flavors with sweetness)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty aroma and texture)
- 1 tsp mustard (adjust to your preference; add more for a spicier kick)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 tsp vinegar (for a tangy flavor and to maintain crispness)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance the flavors with sweetness)
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty aroma and texture)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. You can peel it or leave the skin on. Slice it thinly into matchsticks. In a bowl, combine the cucumber matchsticks with 1/2 tsp of fine salt and 1 tsp of sugar. Gently mix and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This process will help draw out excess water and make the cucumber extra crisp.
Step 2
Prepare the crab sticks by shredding them lengthwise, following their natural grain. Avoid shredding them too finely; slightly thicker strands will provide a better texture when eaten.
Step 3
After the cucumber has rested for 10 minutes, squeeze out any excess water firmly with your hands. This is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery and bland. Place the squeezed cucumber and the shredded crab sticks into a mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mustard dressing ingredients: 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp vinegar, and 1 tsp sugar, until well combined. Pour this dressing over the cucumber and crab sticks. Gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4
Finally, add 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds and mix gently one more time. The sesame seeds will add a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor to the salad.
Step 5
Once everything is well combined, your refreshing cucumber and crab stick salad is ready! Transfer it to a serving dish. Enjoy the delightful crunch and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors.
