Best 3 Ajad Authentic Thai Cucumber Salad Recipes

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**Discover the Refreshing and Vibrant Flavors of Ajar: An Authentic Thai Cucumber Salad**

In the realm of Thai cuisine, Ajar, also known as Ajad, stands as a refreshing and delightful salad that captures the essence of Thailand's culinary heritage. This vibrant dish is a harmonious blend of fresh cucumbers, tantalizing spices, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a symphony of flavors that awakens the palate. As you embark on this culinary journey, we present two enticing recipes that unveil the authentic charm of Ajar. The first recipe, hailing from Thailand's bustling streets, introduces you to the classic Ajar, where thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed in a tangy dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, and fiery chilies. The second recipe, a beloved variation from Isaan, Thailand's northeastern region, showcases Ajar with a unique twist. Here, cucumbers meet a spicy dressing infused with roasted rice powder, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Let's dive into these culinary delights and experience the refreshing essence of Ajar, a true testament to Thailand's culinary artistry.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THAI CUCUMBER SALAD



Thai Cucumber Salad image

This Thai cucumber salad is a refreshing and crisp summer salad with cucumbers and cilantro in a fresh dressing of rice vinegar and sesame oil.

Provided by Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere

Categories     Side Dish Recipes

Time 2h35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb (3 med) cucumbers, sliced thin
1 tsp salt
¼ c rice vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar
½ tsp sesame oil
¼ tsp red pepper flakes or chopped red Thai chile (more or less to taste)
½ red onion, sliced
2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
¼ c peanuts, coarsely chopped (optional)

Steps:

  • Slice cucumbers and toss with 1 tsp salt. Set aside to sweat for 30 minutes.
  • While your cucumbers are resting, combine the dressing ingredients and set aside.
  • After resting your cucumbers, rinse and drain them. Pat dry and place in a bowl.
  • Add the sliced onion and chopped cilantro to the cucumbers.
  • Add the dressing and mix to combine.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, for 2-3 hours to let the flavors come together.
  • Serve topped with chopped peanuts, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 45 calories, Cholesterol 0 milligrams cholesterol, SaturatedFat 0 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1/3 c, TransFat 0 grams trans fat

THAI CUCUMBER SALAD



Thai Cucumber Salad image

The vegetables in this crunchy, satisfying Thai Cucumber Salad can be tossed together with the tangy rice vinegar dressing a week in advance, leaving nothing more to do before serving than to scatter roasted peanuts and fresh herbs over the top.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Time 35m

Yield Serves 2 to 4; Makes about 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
Kosher salt
1 English cucumber (12 ounces), thinly sliced (2 1/2 cups)
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
1 Thai chile, thinly sliced (seeded for less heat, if desired)
1/4 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh herbs, such as Thai basil, mint, and cilantro, roughly chopped

Steps:

  • Bring vinegar, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce heat to medium and cook until mixture has consistency of syrup, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl; let cool completely.
  • Add cucumber, onion, and chile; toss to combine. Let stand until cucumbers absorb liquid, 5 minutes, then toss again. Salad can be refrigerated, covered, up to 1 week. Top with peanuts and herbs just before serving.

CUCUMBER AJAT



Cucumber Ajat image

A simple and refreshing relish for grilled meats. You can make the vinegar and sugar dressing up to six weeks ahead of time (store it in the fridge), but assemble the relish the day you plan to serve it.

Provided by James Syhabout

Categories     HarperCollins     Salad     Side     Cucumber     Shallot     Quick & Easy     Quick and Healthy     Vegetarian     Vegan     Wheat/Gluten-Free

Yield Makes 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 ounces (112 grams) medium pickling cucumbers, quartered lengthwise, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1/4 cup (40 grams) thinly sliced shallots
2 fresh Thai chiles, thinly sliced (3 grams)
1/4 cup (56 grams) distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon (4 grams) kosher salt

Steps:

  • Combine the cucumbers, shallots, and chiles in a serving bowl. In a separate bowl whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sugar has completely dissolved. Add the vinegar mixture to the cucumbers, making sure they're covered. Let the cucumbers pickle for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Making A Refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad:

- Pick small and firm cucumbers, as they have fewer seeds and a crisp texture that holds up well in the salad. - For a more intense flavor, use young coconuts with tender meat. If using mature coconuts, grate the flesh and soak it in ice water for 15 minutes to remove excess oil. - If you can't find roasted peanuts, toast unsalted peanuts in a pan over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned. - Adjust the amount of chili peppers based on your preferred spice level. - For a vegan version, omit the shrimp and add more vegetables, such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or tomatoes. - Serve the salad immediately after making it, as the cucumbers will start to wilt if left for too long.

Conclusion:

A refreshing Thai cucumber salad, known as Ajar, is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. With its crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and crunchy peanuts, this salad is a perfect appetizer or side dish for any Thai meal. Follow these tips to create an authentic and delicious Ajar that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!

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