Viral Cucumber Salad with Noodles (2/30)

Ingredients

• 2 packages Instant Ramen Noodles (plain flavor, discard seasoning packet)
• 0.5 cucumber Cucumber (peeled and cut into match‑stick strips)
• 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (low‑sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce (Thai style, adds umami)
• 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar (balances salty flavors)
• 0.25 teaspoon MSG (optional, enhances umami)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for aroma)
• 1 clove Garlic (freshly grated)
• 2 stalks Green Onions (thinly sliced, both white and green parts)
• 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds (toasted)
• 2 tablespoons Miso Vinaigrette Sauce (use the miso‑flavored seasoning packet from the noodle package)
• 1 tablespoon Dried Veggie Flakes (from the noodle packet, adds texture)
• 1 teaspoon Lime Juice (freshly squeezed, optional for extra brightness)

Instructions

1. Cook Noodles

   Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add the instant ramen noodles and cook for 3 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Boiling

2. Prep Cucumber

   Peel the cucumber, then cut it into thin match‑stick strips about the same length as the noodles.

   Time: PT5M

3. Make Dressing

   In a small bowl or directly in a zip‑top bag, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, MSG, sesame oil, grated garlic, sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, miso vinaigrette packet, dried veggie flakes, and optional lime juice. Mix until the sugar and MSG are fully dissolved.

   Time: PT5M

4. Mix Noodles and Dressing

   Add the cooled noodles and cucumber strips to the bag (or bowl) with the dressing. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and shake/toss vigorously until everything is evenly coated.

   Time: PT3M

5. Chill Before Serving (Optional)

   Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold.

   Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

10g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

12g

Fiber

2g