Dough Zone Cucumber Recipe

Chef Nora Benson
30 Dec, 2024

This refreshing Dough Zone Cucumber Salad features crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy, garlicky dressing with a hint of spice. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, it's a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal.

Dough Zone Cucumber

Dough Zone Cucumber

The Dough Zone Cucumber Salad is a signature side dish from Dough Zone Dumpling House, a popular Chinese restaurant chain renowned for its fresh and flavorful small plates, dumplings, and noodles. This salad is a shining example of how simplicity, when done right, can elevate a dish.

Made with crisp cucumbers dressed in a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour marinade, it's a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs beautifully with the restaurant's rich, savory dishes.

The cucumbers are typically sliced into bite-sized pieces, lightly salted to draw out moisture, and then tossed in a tangy dressing made from a combination of vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. What makes this dish stand out is its ability to showcase clean, crisp flavors while offering a subtle umami kick. The addition of garlic, sesame oil, and chili gives it a nuanced depth that leaves a lasting impression.

Beyond its taste, the Dough Zone Cucumber Salad embodies the principles of Chinese cold dishes, known as liangcai. These dishes are served chilled and often rely on a balance of flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy—to awaken the appetite. It’s this harmony that makes the cucumber salad not just a side dish but an essential part of the dining experience at Dough Zone.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a starter, a complement to dumplings, or even on its own, the Dough Zone Cucumber Salad is a versatile and vibrant dish that captures the essence of freshness and simplicity in Chinese cuisine.

Recipe

A refreshing and bold twist on the classic sweet-and-sour cucumber salad, this recipe features Sichuan peppercorn crunch, crispy garlic, and a perfectly balanced dressing that elevates simple cucumbers into a restaurant-quality dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium cucumbers (Persian or English)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp black rice vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp chili crisp (optional)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers lengthwise and then into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together black rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil to make the dressing. Adjust sweetness and tang to your preference.
  3. Heat a pan over medium heat and toast the Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant (about 1 minute). Lightly crush them using a mortar and pestle.
  4. In the same pan, fry the garlic slices in sesame oil until golden and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel to drain.
  5. Combine the cucumbers, dressing, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, and chili crisp (if using) in a large bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
  6. Garnish with crispy garlic, sesame seeds, and sliced scallions. Chill for 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.

prep time with .

Serves 6 and contains approximately 70 calories per serving.

Chinese, Fusion / Appetizer, Salad

Rated 4.9 by 157 reviewers.

Recipe Tags: sweet and sour cucumber salad, Sichuan cucumber salad, Chinese appetizer, crispy garlic salad, bold cucumber recipe, Dough Zone Cucumber, Dough Zone Cucumber recipe

Recipe Video

Dough Zone Cucumber

This is a video about Dough Zone Cucumber.

Servings

Serving your Dough Zone Cucumber dish is basically about preserving its fresh, vibrant flavors while presenting it in a visually appealing way. Here's how you can serve it:

  1. Chill Before Serving: After preparing the cucumbers and dressing, let the dish chill in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the refreshing quality of the salad.

  2. Plating: Use a shallow serving bowl or a wide plate to arrange the cucumbers. Spread them out evenly to showcase the glistening dressing and any garnishes.

  3. Garnishes: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, and thinly sliced scallions on top for a visually stunning presentation. If you've used crispy garlic or chili crisp in the recipe, add those as finishing touches for added texture and color.

  4. Pairing Suggestions:

    • Serve alongside dumplings, noodles, or buns for a classic pairing.
    • Use it as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats, such as chicken skewers or pork belly, to balance the richness.
    • Offer it as part of a larger appetizer spread with other cold dishes like marinated tofu or pickled vegetables.

  5. Serving Tips:

    • Serve with chopsticks or a small fork to make it easy to enjoy as a side or starter.
    • If hosting a gathering, consider dividing the salad into individual portions in small bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Tips

1. Choose the Right Cucumbers

  • Opt for Persian or English cucumbers as they are seedless, crisp, and have thin skins, eliminating the need for peeling. If using regular cucumbers, consider removing the seeds for a better texture.

2. Salt the Cucumbers Properly

  • Salting the cucumbers and letting them sit for about 10 minutes before patting them dry is essential. This step removes excess moisture, allowing the cucumbers to absorb the dressing better without becoming watery.

3. Balance the Flavors

  • The dressing is all about balance: sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy. Adjust the ingredients to suit your palate. Add more honey if you prefer a sweeter salad, or a bit more chili crisp for heat.
  • Black rice vinegar works wonders, but if you can’t find it, use a mix of balsamic vinegar and a dash of lemon juice for a similar tang.

4. Incorporate Texture

  • The crispy garlic slices and toasted sesame seeds provide an exciting crunch. Ensure you fry the garlic to golden perfection—too dark, and it might taste bitter.
  • For extra texture, consider adding crushed roasted peanuts or cashews as an alternative garnish.

5. Make It Ahead of Time

  • This salad gets better after resting for a while as the flavors meld. Prepare it at least 20 minutes in advance, but no more than 2 hours, to keep the cucumbers crisp.

6. Presentation Matters

  • A sprinkle of vibrant garnishes like red chili flakes, scallions, or even a drizzle of chili oil can make the dish look more appealing. Use a clean, white plate or a textured wooden bowl to give it that restaurant-style presentation.

7. Pairing Ideas

  • Serve this cucumber salad alongside dumplings, steamed buns, or fried rice to balance heavier dishes. It’s also a refreshing side dish for BBQ or grilled meat.

8. Experiment with Add-Ins

  • For a creative twist, try adding thinly sliced radishes, julienned carrots, or a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-salting: Use just enough salt to draw out moisture but not so much that the cucumbers taste salty.
  • Over-dressing: Cucumbers have high water content, so use the dressing sparingly to avoid a soupy salad.
  • Serving it too warm: This salad is best enjoyed cold.

Ingredient Substitutes

If you’re looking for ingredient substitutes for a Dough Zone Cucumber recipe, here are some excellent alternatives that can still give you a delicious and flavorful dish:

Cucumbers

  • Substitute: Zucchini (raw) or celery sticks
    If cucumbers are unavailable, thinly sliced zucchini or crisp celery sticks can provide a similar crunch and fresh flavor.

Rice Vinegar

  • Substitute: Apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, or a mix of lemon juice and a touch of sugar
    Rice vinegar has a mild tanginess, so if substituting, use alternatives sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Soy Sauce

  • Substitute: Tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos, or liquid aminos
    These options provide similar umami and saltiness. Coconut aminos are slightly sweeter, so you may need to reduce added sugar.

Sesame Oil

  • Substitute: Olive oil with a drop of toasted sesame seeds for aroma, or peanut oil for a nutty flavor
    Sesame oil has a distinct roasted flavor, so try to replicate it with toasted seeds or oils.

Garlic

  • Substitute: Garlic powder or shallots (finely minced)
    Fresh garlic gives a punch, but garlic powder can work in a pinch. Shallots provide a milder but aromatic alternative.

Honey (or Sugar)

  • Substitute: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia
    These sweeteners work well for balancing the tangy and salty flavors of the dressing.

Chili Crisp

  • Substitute: Red chili flakes, sambal oelek, or sriracha
    If you can’t find chili crisp, these options provide heat and a touch of spice. Add fried shallots for a crispy texture.

Toasted Sesame Seeds

  • Substitute: Crushed peanuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped almonds
    If sesame seeds aren’t available, these nuts or seeds can replicate the crunch and nuttiness.

Scallions

  • Substitute: Chives, finely minced leeks, or thinly sliced red onions
    These substitutes provide a similar fresh, onion-like flavor.

Black Rice Vinegar

  • Substitute: Balsamic vinegar or a mix of white vinegar and soy sauce
    Black rice vinegar has a sweet, mellow tang. Balsamic vinegar, while slightly sweeter, can mimic it closely.

Salt

  • Substitute: Sea salt, kosher salt, or pink Himalayan salt
    Use any high-quality salt for the salting step, as it’s critical to the cucumber texture.
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