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p.f changs shanghai cucumbers copycat recipe
Mary Kelly

P.f Changs Shanghai Cucumbers Recipe 

I must admit, the first time I had the pleasure of tasting P.F. Chang's Shanghai cucumbers, I was taken aback by their freshness and unique combination of flavors.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 24

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ ounces gluten-free tamari soy sauce alternative
  • 12 ounces cucumber peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Start by peeling your cucumbers. This might sound trivial, but removing the skin allows the sauce to soak into the cucumber more effectively.
  2. Once peeled, slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds using a spoon, and cut them into thin slices. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even marinating.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, and gluten-free tamari.
  4. Whisk them together until everything blends perfectly. This dressing is where the magic happens, so taste as you go! Adjust sweetness or acidity according to your personal preference.
  5. Place your sliced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over them, and toss to coat well. It's important that every slice gets a good amount of that delicious dressing.
  6. Let the cucumbers sit for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and the cucumbers to absorb all that goodness.
  7. After marinating, pop the bowl into the refrigerator for another 15 to 30 minutes. This cooling step not only enhances the flavors but also makes the cucumbers extra refreshing.
  8. Before serving, give them one last toss, and you might even sprinkle some additional sesame seeds on top for garnish.

Nutrition

Calories: 24kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 0.3gSodium: 386mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g

Notes

  • Use Fresh Cucumbers: Look for firm, bright cucumbers. Freshness is key here.
  • Adjust the Dressing: Play around with the levels of sweetness and acidity in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
  • Let Them Rest: Allowing the cucumbers to marinate for longer intensifies the flavors even more.
  • Serve Cold: If possible, serve the cucumbers straight from the fridge for the freshest taste.
  • Garnish Wisely: Feel free to add scallions or sesame seeds as a garnish for an extra flair.

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