Thai Cucumber Salad with Udon Noodles

Ingredients and Weight:

• English cucumber, 2 lbs
• Udon noodles, 1 lb
• Red onion, 1/2 cup, thinly sliced
• Carrots, 1/2 cup, julienned
• Green bell pepper, 1/2 cup, julienned
• Rice vinegar, 1/4 cup
• Lime juice, 1/4 cup
• Sugar, 2 tbsp
• Fish sauce, 2 tbsp
• Sriracha, 1 tbsp (optional)
• Peanut oil, 1 tbsp
• Sesame seeds, 1 tbsp (for garnish)

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

5 minutes

Difficulty Level:

1 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, thinly slice the cucumber. Place in a large bowl.
2. Cook the udon noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
3. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper to the cucumber.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, and sriracha (if using).
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
6. Heat the peanut oil in a small skillet. Add the udon noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly browned.
7. Add the noodles to the salad and toss again.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds.

Nutritional Information:

(per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Protein: 10 g

Dish Characteristics:

• Refreshing and tangy
• Slightly spicy (adjust Sriracha to taste)
• Crunchy and flavorful
• Perfect as a light lunch or side dish

User Comments:

• "This salad is amazing! The combination of flavors is so refreshing and delicious."
• "I love the crunchiness of the vegetables and the noodles."
• "This is my new favorite summer salad."
• "The perfect dish for a hot day."
• "I made this for my family and they loved it!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have a mandoline slicer, use a sharp knife to thinly slice the cucumber.
• You can use any type of noodles you like, but udon noodles are recommended for their thick, chewy texture.
• If you don't have Sriracha, you can substitute hot sauce or chili flakes.
• If you are avoiding gluten, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of fish sauce.