Looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad to brighten up your meals? This Asian cucumber salad is a perfect choice! With its delicious combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, this salad is not only easy to make but also versatile enough to serve at any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil creates a delicious dressing that perfectly complements the crisp cucumbers.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have this salad ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep or picnics.
Ingredient Notes:
- Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor to the dressing.
- Soy sauce: Provides a savory umami taste.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of spice.
- Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant kick.
- Sesame seeds: For added texture and flavor.
- Salt: Balances the flavors.
- Cucumbers: Use English cucumbers for a crisp texture.
- Roasted peanuts: Adds a satisfying crunch.
- Green onions: Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and salt to taste.
- Slice the cucumbers and add them to a salad bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the salad from the refrigerator and sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts.
- Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve.
Helpful Tips:
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of rice vinegar in the dressing.
- Add some thinly sliced red chili for an extra kick.
- Serve the salad chilled for a refreshing taste.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly toasted sesame seeds for a more intense flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preference.
- For a more substantial meal, add cooked shrimp or chicken to the salad.
Serving Suggestions:
This Asian cucumber salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as teriyaki chicken or bulgogi beef. It also makes a great side dish for sushi or summer rolls. Serve with a glass of iced green tea or a crisp lager for a refreshing meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the crunchiness of the cucumbers, avoid freezing the salad. Simply give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but be sure to peel them and remove the seeds for a similar texture. - How long can I marinate the cucumbers in the dressing?
You can marinate the cucumbers for up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Conclusion:
This Asian cucumber salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its easy preparation and versatile flavors, it’s a must-try recipe for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know how you enjoy it!
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Cucumber Salad Recipe (Asian)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Asian cucumber salad recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. The crunchy cucumbers are coated in a delicious dressing and topped with roasted peanuts for an added crunch.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Salad:
- 3 medium cucumbers
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
- 3 green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and salt.
- Assemble the salad: Slice cucumbers and place them in a bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with roasted peanuts, garnish with green onions, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of rice vinegar for a milder flavor.