Appetizer: United States – Chilled Sesame-Pear Cucumber Slaw from the United States

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 0 min

Additional 20 min

Total 30 min

Ingredients

3 Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber), thinly sliced
1 cup (120 g) daikon radish, cut into matchsticks
1 small Asian pear, cut into matchsticks
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tsp kosher salt (for salting cucumbers)
2 tbsp (30 ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp sugar (or honey)
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 / 2 tsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), to taste
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Place cucumber slices in a bowl and toss with the kosher salt. Let sit 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Rinse cucumbers briefly under cold water and squeeze gently to remove liquid. Pat dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, and gochugaru until dissolved.
Add the drained cucumbers, daikon, pear, and scallions to the bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to chill and meld flavors.
Before serving, toss again and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve cold alongside the wings for a crisp, tangy counterpoint.