Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Introduction

Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a savory, tangy dressing. This salad is perfect for hot days or as a vibrant accompaniment to your favorite Asian meals.

Ingredients

• 5 pcs cucumbers
• 3 tsp granulated white sugar
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp garlic, crushed
• 2 to 3 tbsp green onion, chopped
• 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tsp rice vinegar
• 3 tsp Chinese chili oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Gather all the ingredients for the Asian cucumber salad.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onion.
3. Step 3: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese chili oil, and sesame oil. Set the marinade aside.
4. Step 4: Cut both ends off each cucumber. Place a cucumber between a pair of chopsticks lengthwise to prevent the knife from slicing completely through.
5. Step 5: Make diagonal cuts down the cucumber’s length to create spiral slices. Flip it over, smooth side up, and make perpendicular cuts. Repeat for all cucumbers.
6. Step 6: Place the cucumber spirals in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and gently massage the salt into them. Let sit for 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Rinse the cucumbers with cold water to remove excess salt.
8. Step 8: Pour the prepared marinade over the cucumbers and toss until evenly coated. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, reduce the Chinese chili oil or substitute with a mild chili sauce.
• Try adding a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or mint for an herbal twist.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute.
• Use seedless cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for a crunchier texture.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, gently toss the salad before serving again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.

What can I serve with Asian Cucumber Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a fresh side to spicy Asian meals.

Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

This Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy dressing. Infused with garlic, sesame, soy sauce, and chili oil, it’s perfect for a quick appetizer or as a complement to any meal.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cucumbers

• 5 pcs cucumbers

Salad Dressing & Seasonings

• 3 tsp granulated white sugar
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp garlic, crushed
• 2 to 3 tbsp green onion, chopped
• 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce
• 3 tsp rice vinegar
• 3 tsp Chinese chili oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 3 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients needed for the Asian cucumber salad to ensure a smooth cooking process.
2. Prepare Dressing: In a bowl, combine the sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onion. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese chili oil, and sesame oil to form the marinade. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
3. Prepare Cucumbers: Cut off both ends of each cucumber. Place a cucumber between two chopsticks to prevent the knife from slicing completely through.
4. Create Spiral Cuts: Make diagonal cuts down the length of the cucumber, then flip it over with the smooth side facing up and make perpendicular cuts. This will create a spiral effect on all cucumbers.
5. Salt and Massage: Place the cucumber spirals into a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Massage the salt into the cucumbers and allow them to sit for 8 to 10 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture for a crisp texture.
6. Rinse cucumbers: After resting, rinse the cucumbers thoroughly with cold water to remove excess salt.
7. Combine Salad: Pour the prepared marinade over the cucumbers and toss until they are evenly coated in the flavorful dressing.
8. Serve: Enjoy the Asian Cucumber Salad immediately or chill it slightly to enhance the refreshing taste.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of chili oil depending on your desired spice level.
• Using chopsticks or similar tools to create the spiral cuts helps achieve an attractive presentation and better texture.
• The salting and massaging step is essential for removing excess water from the cucumbers, making the salad crisp instead of soggy.
• This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce.

Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, cucumber salad, Asian side dish, spicy cucumber salad, vegetarian salad, no-cook salad