Crunchy 10-Minute Summer Side Dish

Ingredients

• 1 large English cucumber
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1/2 small red onion
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. 1

   Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into very thin, uniform pieces. Place all sliced vegetables in a large bowl.

2. 2

   Sprinkle the vegetables with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Toss gently with your hands to coat. Let them sit for exactly 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Pour the salted vegetables into a colander and rinse them briefly with cold water to remove excess salt. Immediately transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. Let them sit for 3-4 minutes.

4. 4

   Drain the vegetables from the ice water and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Pat them very dry.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce until emulsified.

6. 6

   Place the completely dry vegetables in a clean bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to coat evenly.

7. 7

   Sprinkle the chopped cilantro or mint and toasted sesame seeds over the top. Toss once more very gently. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.