Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With simple preparation steps, this salad can be ready in minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Flavorful Dressing: The combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste creates a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs well with a variety of main courses, including grilled meats, seafood, and Asian-inspired appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cucumbers (preferably English or Persian)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, slightly less than ¼ inch thick. Place them in a bowl, layering with ¾ teaspoon of salt to draw out excess moisture. Let them sit for about 15 minutes.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili paste until the sugar dissolves.
- Assemble the Salad: Drain any liquid released from the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Toss the cucumbers with the dressing until well-coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately or refrigerate for enhanced flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: Around 20 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
Variations
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate thinly sliced red bell peppers or carrots for added color and crunch.
- Nutty Flavor: Add a handful of crushed peanuts or cashews for extra texture and richness.
- Herbal Notes: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to introduce a refreshing twist.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste to suit your heat preference, or substitute with red pepper flakes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the cucumbers may lose some crispness over time.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator. Combine with the cucumbers just before serving to maintain their crunch.
FAQs
What type of cucumbers are best for this salad?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their tender skins and minimal seeds, eliminating the need for peeling.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it separately. Combine it with the cucumbers just before serving to ensure optimal texture.
How do I toast sesame seeds?
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add sesame seeds and cook, shaking the pan frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. This process takes only a couple of minutes, so monitor closely to prevent burning.
Is there a substitute for chili paste?
If chili paste is unavailable, red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can be used to add heat. Adjust the quantity to match your spice tolerance.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English or Persian?
Yes, but it's advisable to peel regular cucumbers to remove the thick skin and scoop out the seeds to reduce bitterness and excess moisture.
What dishes pair well with this salad?
This salad complements grilled chicken, baked or grilled fish, shrimp, potstickers, gyoza, crab rangoon, and various Asian-inspired soups.
How can I reduce the sodium content?
Opt for low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount of added salt to control sodium levels.
What is sambal oelek?
Sambal oelek is a ground fresh chili paste commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. It adds heat and depth to dishes and can be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores.
How long does the dressing last in the refrigerator?
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shake or whisk well before using.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can transform this side dish into a more substantial main course.
Conclusion
This Asian Cucumber Salad offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Its quick preparation and refreshing taste are sure to make it a favorite in your recipe collection.
Asian Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Experience a refreshing and flavorful dish with this Asian Cucumber Salad, featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili paste. This quick and easy salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or Asian-inspired appetizers, making it a versatile side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cucumbers (preferably English or Persian)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice cucumbers into thin rounds (less than ¼ inch thick). Place in a bowl and sprinkle with ¾ teaspoon salt to draw out moisture. Let sit for 15 minutes.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili paste until the sugar dissolves.
- Assemble the Salad: Drain excess liquid from cucumbers and pat dry with paper towels. Toss with the dressing until well coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately or refrigerate for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced carrots or red bell peppers for more texture.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days (note: cucumbers may soften over time).
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dressing 2 days in advance and store separately.
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Asian
