Five-Spice Pork and Cucumber Salad

Five-Spice Pork and Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines warm, aromatic spices with crisp vegetables. It’s perfect for summer meals, quick lunches, or a light dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste.

The star of the dish is the pork. Thinly sliced pork tenderloin or pork shoulder works best for this recipe. Marinate the meat in a mixture of Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors. The five-spice blend brings a mix of sweet, savory, and slightly peppery notes, with hints of cinnamon, star anise, fennel, cloves, and Szechuan peppercorns.

Once marinated, quickly sear or grill the pork slices over medium-high heat until they’re golden and cooked through. The result is tender, juicy meat with a caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, cool cucumber.

For the salad, use thinly sliced cucumbers, preferably Persian or English, as they have fewer seeds and stay crunchy. Lightly salt the cucumbers to draw out excess moisture, then toss them with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. Add sliced scallions, shredded carrots, and thin red chili slices for extra color and mild heat.

The dressing ties everything together. A mixture of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit of sugar gives the salad a tangy-sweet punch. You can also stir in some grated ginger for extra warmth.

To serve, layer the cucumber salad on a plate and top with warm slices of pork. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and crushed peanuts for texture. This dish is delicious both warm and cold, making it ideal for meal prep or summer picnics. Serve on its own or with a side of jasmine rice or rice noodles for a more filling option.

Five-Spice Pork and Cucumber Salad

3.50 from 48 votes

This refreshing salad combines juicy pork tenderloin with crisp cucumbers and a flavorful five-spice dressing.

Servings 4 people

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

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• 1 pound pork tenderloin thinly sliced
• 2 cucumbers thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 2 tbsp cilantro chopped fresh
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine the sliced pork tenderloin, cucumbers, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, five-spice powder, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss well to combine and let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated pork tenderloin. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until cooked through.
• Serve the cooked pork and cucumber salad immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 27gFat: 12gFiber: 2g

Calories: 250kcal

Meal Type: Salad

Cuisine: Chinese

Keyword: chinese cuisine, salad recipes

Cooking Method: Grilled

Diet: Meatlovers

Time: <30 Min

Level: Easy

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