Resep Vegetarian Thai Cucumber Salad (Vegan)

Scrumptious Thai Cucumber Salad - authentic Thai taste, without using fish sauce!
Copyright Darlene A. Schmidt,
For a delicious vegetarian Thai salad, try my easy Thai Cucumber Salad. This salad achieves all of the flavor and taste of non-vegetarian Cucumber Salad without resorting to using fish sauce or shrimp paste, plus it's virtually fat free! Note that for this recipe you'll need to scout out a bottle of Golden Mountain Sauce, available at any reputable Asian or Chinese food store (look for it in a tall bottle next to the fish sauce). Like soy sauce, Thai Golden Mountain Sauce is made from fermented soybeans, which makes it suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets (for more on this sauce see link below). ENJOY!



Ingredients:

* 1 English Cucumber, peeled
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 3 green onions, thinly sliced
* 1 loose cup fresh coriander/cilantro, lightly chopped
* 1/2 loose cup fresh basil, lightly chopped
* 1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts, lightly ground or chopped
* DRESSING:
* juice of 1/2 large lime
* 1 Tbsp. Golden Mountain Sauce (for more on this sauce, see link below)
* 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
* 1-2 tsp. Thai chili sauce, OR 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. dried crushed chili (from the spice aisle)
* 1+1/2 to 2 tsp. white sugar

Preparation:
For more on buying and using Golden Mountain Sauce, see my: All About Golden Mountain Sauce.

1. Cut cucumber in half lengthwise, then continue slicing lengthwise until you have about 8 long strips. Now slice strips the other way to create bite-size rectangular chunks. Place in a salad bowl.
2. Add prepared red pepper, green onion, fresh herbs, and peanuts to the salad bowl.
3. Combine the dressing ingredients together in a cup, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Taste-test for a sweet-sour balance, adding more sugar if it's too sour for your taste. Tip: Note that the dressing will taste quite salty and pungent now, but will be perfect once it is combined with the salad.
4. Pour dressing over the salad and toss well to combine. Taste-test the salad, adding more chili sauce or dried crushed chili if you'd like it spicier.
5. To serve, transfer salad to a serving platter or bowl. Top with a little more coriander, basil, and peanuts. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 hours. This salad is best eaten up the same day you make it. ENJOY!