Tiger Salad

Name: Tiger Salad
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Fresh cilantro with stems, roughly chopped; 2 whole Green mild chilies, sliced into thin strips; 1 medium English cucumber, julienned; 1/2 teaspoon Fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon Granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame oil

A refreshing cold salad from northern China featuring crisp cucumber, aromatic cilantro, and mild green chilies dressed in a sweet and savory sesame oil vinaigrette. This no-cook dish comes together in minutes and makes an excellent appetizer or side.

15 min

Easy

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Story

Tiger Salad (Laohu Cai) is a classic northeastern Chinese dish named for its bold, 'fierce' flavor profile. The combination of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and fragrant sesame oil creates a light yet satisfying dish perfect for hot weather or as a palate cleanser between richer courses.

Ingredients

Fresh cilantro with stems, roughly chopped 1 cup

Green mild chilies, sliced into thin strips 2 whole

English cucumber, julienned 1 medium

Fine sea salt 1/2 teaspoon

Granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon

Toasted sesame oil 1 tablespoon

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

Rinse the cilantro thoroughly under cold water and pat dry. Remove any tough stems at the base. Slice the green chilies diagonally into thin ribbons. Cut the cucumber into matchstick-thin strips.

Combine all ingredients

Place the prepared cilantro, chilies, and cucumber strips in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the sesame oil, then sprinkle the salt and sugar over the top.

Marinate and serve

Toss everything together gently until well combined. Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish.