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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

4.7 from 119 reviews

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly spicy side dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a flavorful dressing made from sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil. Perfect for a light snack or as an accompaniment to your favorite Asian-inspired meals, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for hot days.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 5 Persian cucumbers
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Dressing

  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1/21 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1/2 tbsp minced garlic (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Cucumbers: Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice one end at an angle and continue slicing the rest of the cucumbers at an angle to create oval-shaped slices. Adjust the thickness of the slices according to your preference.
  2. Salt and Refrigerate: Place the cucumber slices in a bowl or container and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to coat all slices. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the salt to draw out excess water from the cucumbers.
  3. Drain and Rinse: After chilling, drain off the water released by the cucumbers. Rinse the cucumber slices quickly under running water for about 10 seconds to remove excess salt, then drain and return them to the bowl or container.
  4. Prepare the Dressing and Combine: Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (if using) to the cucumber slices. Stir everything until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: The salad can be served immediately or chilled a little longer for deeper flavor. Enjoy your refreshing, crunchy Asian cucumber salad as a perfect side or light snack.

Notes

  • Adjust sugar quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
  • Minced garlic is optional and can be omitted to keep the salad milder.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili oil or add chili flakes.
  • The salad tastes best when chilled for at least 20 minutes after dressing.

Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, easy cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, no-cook salad, quick Asian side dish