Copycat Restaurant Recipes
HCG Diet Japanese Cucumber Salad
This crisp and refreshing Japanese cucumber salad is specifically designed for the HCG diet protocol, featuring zero oil and no added sugars. It uses unseasoned rice vinegar and a hint of stevia to create a tangy marinade that highlights the natural crunch of the cucumbers.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Serves
- 1
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 25 kcal
Method
Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it into paper-thin rounds using a sharp knife or a mandoline.
Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with the salt; toss and let sit for 5 minutes to extract moisture.
Rinse the cucumber slices under cold running water to remove excess salt, then squeeze them firmly between your palms to remove all excess liquid.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the unseasoned rice vinegar and the liquid stevia until combined.
Add the squeezed cucumbers to the vinegar mixture and toss well to ensure every slice is coated.
Add red chili flakes if desired for heat and serve immediately or let chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Notes
Always use unseasoned rice vinegar as 'seasoned' versions contain sugar and salt that are not HCG compliant.
The thinner you slice the cucumbers, the more flavor they will absorb from the vinegar.
Squeezing the cucumbers very dry is the secret to preventing the salad from becoming watery.