Crisp cucumber salad featuring tofu

Refreshing Cucumber and Tofu Delight

Servings: Serves 2 generous helpings or 3 to 4 as a refreshing side dish

Time: Only 15 minutes

Ingredients

- 4 tablespoons smooth peanut butter - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar - 1/2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar - 1/2-inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced or grated - 1 small garlic clove, minced or grated - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil - Hot sauce, chili paste, or chili crisp to taste - Water, as needed - 1 package of Persian cucumbers (about 5 to 6) - 1 scallion - 3 tablespoons salted roasted peanuts, finely chopped - 1 package of firm or extra-firm silken tofu (10 to 12 ounces) - Optional: toasted black and white sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Steps

Start by preparing the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until well combined. The mix may taste quite salty at first—this is normal if you use regular soy sauce. Don't worry, it will balance out once added to the cucumbers later. Set aside about 3 to 4 tablespoons of this mixture in a small bowl, adding a bit more soy sauce or water to thin it down into a pourable consistency.

Next, let's tackle the main ingredients. Slice the Persian cucumbers in half, then chop each half into long wedges. Aim for 1 ½-inch diagonal cuts to create bite-sized pieces. Toss these into the bowl with the dressing.

Chop up the scallion finely. Then, on the cutting board, add the peanuts and chop them finely as well. Set them aside for later. Now, take the tofu from its package, gently dry it with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, and slice it into rectangles, matching the height of the tofu block.

It's time to assemble! Take half of the tofu slices and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle some of the reserved, thinned dressing over them. Combine the dressed cucumbers and arrange half on top of the tofu. Do the same with the remaining tofu, drizzling with more dressing, followed by the rest of the cucumbers. Lastly, sprinkle the scallion and chopped peanuts over the top for a delightful crunch. For an extra kick, you can add a drizzle of hot sauce or chili crisp and some toasted sesame seeds if you'd like.

Serve immediately since the salt from the dressing will release water from the cucumbers if left too long. Enjoy every bite, and don't hesitate to finish it all—it's easier than it sounds!