Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Enjoy this crunchy, refreshing cucumber salad tossed in a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy dressing! Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, this Asian cucumber salad is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or want a light and zesty side, this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

Cucumbers are crisp and refreshing, making them the ideal base for bold, flavorful dressings. This salad is a balance of tangy rice vinegar, nutty sesame oil, savory soy sauce, and a hint of heat from chili oil. It’s light, delicious, and irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers work best for their crunch and mild flavor.
• Salt: To help sweat the cucumbers and keep them crunchy.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, nutty flavor.
• Light Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami depth.
• Rice Vinegar: For a tangy kick.
• Sugar: Balances out the tanginess.
• Chili Oil: Optional, but highly recommended for a spicy twist!
• Sesame Seeds: Adds texture and a subtle nuttiness.

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

1. Prep the Cucumbers: Rinse and slice the cucumbers at an angle to create oval-shaped pieces. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well and refrigerate for 20 minutes to an hour to draw out excess water.
2. Drain and Rinse: Drain the water released by the cucumbers. Rinse under running water for 5-10 seconds and gently squeeze out any excess moisture.
3. Make the Dressing: Combine sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad: Toss the cucumbers with the dressing until evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Cucumber Salad

• Sweat the Cucumbers: Salting the cucumbers draws out excess water, keeping them crisp and preventing the dressing from becoming watery.
• Rinse Off the Salt: A quick rinse ensures the salad doesn’t end up too salty.
• Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately, but you can prep the cucumbers and dressing separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.

This spicy Asian cucumber salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with a wide range of meals. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this salad is sure to impress! 🌶️🥒

📖 Recipe

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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Enjoy a refreshing and flavorful dish with this simple Asian cucumber salad. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish, this recipe combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy dressing.

Ingredients

• 5 Persian cucumbers
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tbsp sesame oil
• ¾ tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¾ tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp chili oil
• ½ tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions

• Slice the Cucumbers: Rinse the cucumbers and slice one end at an angle. Continue slicing at an angle to create oval-shaped pieces. Adjust thickness to your preference.
• Season and Chill: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt. Toss to combine, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
• Drain and Rinse: Drain the water released by the cucumbers. Give them a quick rinse under running water for about 10 seconds and return them to the bowl.
• Prepare the Dressing: Add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds to the cucumbers.
• Combine and Serve: Stir until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!