Description
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that comes together in minutes! Crisp cucumbers are tossed in a tangy, savory, slightly spicy dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil. Perfect as a quick appetizer, a cooling side dish, or a healthy snack, this salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rice bowls, or stir-fries.
Ingredients
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5 Persian cucumbers
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tbsp sesame oil
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3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
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1/2 – 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
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3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp chili oil (adjust to spice preference)
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1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
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1/2 tbsp minced garlic (optional)
Instructions
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Slice the cucumbers – Rinse the cucumbers and slice them at an angle to create oval-shaped pieces.
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Salt and chill – Add the sliced cucumbers to a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
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Drain and rinse – Discard the liquid, rinse the cucumbers lightly, and return them to the bowl.
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Make the dressing – Add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using) to the cucumbers.
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Mix and serve – Stir until everything is well combined, then serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor!
Notes
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Sugar adjustment – Start with 1/2 tbsp sugar, then taste and add more if needed, depending on your preferred level of sweetness and the chili oil you use.
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Garlic is optional – It adds an extra kick, but the salad is delicious with or without it.
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Chili oil variation – Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Store-bought or homemade chili oil both work great!
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Best served fresh – While it can be stored for up to 24 hours, the cucumbers are at their crispiest when eaten immediately.
- Equipment
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Strainer or colander
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Asian, Chinese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, easy cucumber salad, chili oil cucumber salad, Asian side dish