Crispy Chinese-inspired salad: A fusion of taste and ease

A crispy, refreshing salad is the perfect complement to many dishes. How about one that transports you straight to your favourite Chinese restaurant? This simple recipe, shared with me by a chef, will allow you to prepare such a salad at home. It is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.

Salad is one of those side dishes that enhance any lunch or dinner, adding not only colour but also flavour and freshness. In search of the perfect salad, we often turn to recipes inspired by cuisines worldwide. This time, I will share a recipe for a salad that I learned from the chef of my favourite Chinese restaurant. It is a simple but incredibly tasty addition that pairs perfectly with many dishes, not just Asian ones. After trying this recipe, your family will certainly ask for more.

Preparing this salad will only take you a few moments. All you need are a few simple ingredients that you are sure to find in your kitchen. This way, you can enjoy a homemade, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

                              
• ½ head of cabbage,
• 1 carrot,
• 1 onion,
• 60 mL of rice vinegar,
• 80 mL of oil,
• 2 tablespoons of sugar,
• 1 teaspoon of salt,
• 1 clove of garlic.

Preparing this salad is very simple and quick, making it an ideal addition even to the busiest of days. Below you will find the step-by-step recipe that will make you feel like you are in a Chinese restaurant in your own home.

              
1. Preparing the vegetables – Start by thoroughly washing all the vegetables. Then chop the cabbage into small pieces. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can leave larger pieces of cabbage. Peel and grate the carrot using a coarse grater, and peel and slice the onion into thin strips. Place all the vegetables in a large bowl.
2. Preparing the dressing – In a small pot, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and a clove of garlic pressed through a garlic press. Heat the mixture over low heat until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Remember not to bring the dressing to a boil – it should be hot but not boiling.
3. Combining the ingredients – Pour the hot dressing into the bowl with the vegetables. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Set the salad aside for at least an hour to allow the flavours to meld and intensify.
4. Serving the salad – The salad tastes best when chilled. You can serve it as a side dish to meat, rice, or pasta. It pairs well with both Asian cuisine dishes and traditional lunch or dinner dishes.

Tips:

                  
• Vinegar: You can use rice, apple, or wine vinegar. Each will give the salad a slightly different taste.
• Sweetness: If you like sweeter salads, add a bit more sugar.
• Oil: You can use any vegetable oil, such as rapeseed, sunflower, or sesame oil.
• Spicy additions: For those who love spicier flavours, you can add a pinch of chilli or cayenne pepper to the salad.
• Other vegetables: You can add other favourite vegetables to the salad, such as bell pepper, cucumber, or celery.

This simple and quick salad is a fantastic addition to any dish. It is crispy, refreshing, and full of flavour. With this recipe, you can enjoy the taste of your favourite salad from a Chinese restaurant in the comfort of your home.