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Cucumber Kerabu

Serves 4

52 min

Cucumber Kerabu

Recipe GLPRb72a7ccd6ab055

0.0(0)
Asian
Salad
52 min
Servings: 4
Stovetop
SNAP eligible

A refreshing Southeast Asian salad featuring crisp cucumber ribbons tossed with a vibrant sambal-coconut dressing, dried shrimp, and caramelized onions. This tangy, savory dish is quick to prepare and serves as a light, protein-rich accompaniment to seafood or poultry mains.

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Ingredients

1 English cucumber, peeled into thin ribbons or thinly sliced lengthwise

1/2 onion, sliced into very thin half-moons

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tablespoon dried shrimp, rinsed and roughly chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sambal belacan (shrimp paste chili condiment)

2 tablespoons coconut milk

2 tablespoons chicken or fish stock

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 lime, juiced

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a shallow pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 3–4 minutes.

  2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the sliced onion and fry, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns golden and begins to caramelize, approximately 8–10 minutes. Do not burn.

  3. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and onions, and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Stir in the sambal belacan until well combined with the oil and aromatics, cooking for another 30 seconds.

  5. Add the chopped dried shrimp and cook for 1 minute, stirring gently to distribute evenly throughout the oil mixture.

  6. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for 2–3 minutes.

  7. Stir the coconut milk and stock into the cooled oil mixture until fully combined and emulsified.

  8. Add the fish sauce and lime juice to the dressing and whisk together. Season with the freshly ground black pepper and taste; adjust flavors as needed.

  9. Place the cucumber ribbons in a large serving bowl and pour the warm dressing over the top.

  10. Toss gently and evenly to coat all the cucumber with the dressing. Let the salad rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.