Looking for a refreshing and zesty side dish? Look no further than this Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad! Packed with bold flavors and a hint of heat, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect addition to any meal or gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, chili oil, and sesame seeds creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this salad is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
- Versatile: This salad is great for meal prep or as a side dish for grilled meats or sushi.
Ingredient Notes:
- Mini cucumbers or Persian cucumbers: These cucumbers are crisp and have fewer seeds, making them perfect for salads.
- Salt: Used to draw out excess water from the cucumbers.
- Dressing: A flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, chili oil, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and green onions.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Slice the cucumbers thinly and sprinkle with salt to draw out excess water. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, chili oil, sugar, sesame oil, and sesame seeds to make the dressing.
- Toss the cucumbers with the dressing until well coated. Top with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing crunch of this Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad!
Helpful Tips:
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili oil used.
- Add a splash of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin cucumber slices.
- Toast the sesame seeds before adding them to the dressing for a nutty flavor.
- Let the salad marinate in the fridge for an hour before serving for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or as a side dish for sushi. Serve with a cold glass of green tea or a crisp white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, but note that the cucumbers may release more water over time. Stir well before serving to redistribute the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini or Persian cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but be sure to remove the seeds for a similar texture. - How spicy is this salad?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili oil used. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the cucumbers and dressing separately and combine them just before serving for a crisp texture.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re in the mood for a light and flavorful salad, give this Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad a try. It’s sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy!
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Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a spicy and tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer.
Ingredients
-
- 6 Mini cucumbers or Persian cucumbers
- 2 teaspoon Salt to drain water
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon Regular soy sauce
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Chinese chili oil
- 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon green onion finely sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers thinly and sprinkle with salt to drain excess water.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, chili oil, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and green onions.
- Combine: Toss the drained cucumbers with the dressing until well coated.
- Serve: Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili oil.
- For a sweeter salad, increase the amount of sugar in the dressing.