Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing dish that brightens up any meal. This salad is a great balance of crunch and flavor, making it a perfect side dish for many occasions. It offers a light yet satisfying punch to your taste buds. With its tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet dressing, it’s an excellent way to enjoy fresh vegetables while adding a vibrant twist to your table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. First, it’s a quick and simple recipe that requires minimal cooking skills. It mostly involves slicing and mixing, making it perfect for cooks of all levels. This salad is also light and healthy. With just a few ingredients, you can create a vibrant dish that’s low in calories but high in flavor. Plus, it’s a versatile side that pairs well with grilled meats, noodles, or as a refreshing snack. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue or just want to add a healthy side to your dinner, this salad fits the bill perfectly.
How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 – 1 tbsp sugar
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)
Directions
Rinse and Slice the Cucumbers: Start by rinsing the Persian cucumbers under cold water. Make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt. Next, slice the cucumbers at an angle to create attractive, elongated pieces.
Sprinkle with Salt: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle the salt over them. Toss the cucumbers gently to ensure they are evenly coated with salt. The salt will help to draw out excess moisture and enhance the flavor.
Chill the Cucumbers: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the cucumbers to chill for at least 20 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the cucumbers to soften slightly and absorb the salt’s flavor.
Drain and Rinse: After 20 minutes, take the cucumbers out of the fridge. Drain the liquid that has accumulated at the bottom of the bowl. Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove most of the salt.
Make the Dressing: In the same bowl, combine the sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and chili oil. If you’re using garlic, add the minced garlic too. Stir the ingredients well to create a uniform dressing. The combination of these ingredients will give your salad a delicious tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
Coat the Cucumbers: Add the rinsed cucumbers back to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to coat the cucumbers evenly with the dressing.
Serve or Let Sit: You can serve the salad immediately if you’re in a hurry. However, for the best flavor, let it sit for an additional 10 minutes before serving. This extra time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef. It can also serve as a refreshing accompaniment to rice dishes or noodle bowls. For a complete meal, serve it alongside slices of cool avocado or a protein of your choice. A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds on top before serving can also enhance its appeal. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving it in a beautiful bowl for an inviting presentation.
How to Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for about 1-2 days. However, keep in mind that cucumbers can become a bit soggy over time due to the dressing. If you prefer your salad crunchy, it’s best to consume it within the first day. Avoid freezing this salad, as the cucumbers will lose their texture when thawed and could turn mushy.
Tips to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Choose the Right Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are great for this recipe due to their thin skin and mild flavor. They also have fewer seeds compared to other varieties. If you can’t find Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers work well too.
Adjust the Spice Level: The amount of chili oil you use can be adjusted based on your heat preference. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more if desired.
Let Them Marinate: For the best flavor, let the cucumbers marinate in the dressing for about 30 minutes to an hour if possible. This marinating process will deepen the flavors.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even sliced radishes for added color and texture.
Experiment with Herbs: Chopped cilantro or green onions can add a fresh touch to the salad. Just sprinkle some on top for a burst of flavor.
Variation
If you’d like to give your salad a different twist, consider trying a variation like adding fruits. Slices of mango or pineapple can add a sweet contrast to the tangy dressing. Alternatively, you could turn this salad into a full meal by adding protein. Diced grilled chicken or shrimp can make it a more filling dish. For a crunchier experience, incorporate roasted peanuts or cashews on top just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but Persian cucumbers are preferred for their sweeter flavor and crunch. If using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel them to avoid bitterness.
2. How do I make this salad vegan?
This salad is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the soy sauce used is also vegan, and you’re good to go!
3. How spicy is the salad?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The chili oil adds a bit of heat, but you can control how much you use. Start with a small amount and increase gradually if you like it spicier.
4. Can I add more flavor to the dressing?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding a teaspoon of miso paste for a richer umami taste or a splash of citrus juice like lime for extra zest.
5. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but keep in mind that it tastes best fresh. If you’re meal prepping, consider cutting the cucumbers and storing them separate from the dressing. Combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing Asian cucumber salad packed with crunch and flavor, perfect as a side dish.
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2 – 1 tbsp sugar
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and slice the Persian cucumbers at an angle to create attractive elongated pieces.
- Sprinkle salt over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat.
- Chill the cucumbers in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the cucumbers under cold water.
- In a bowl, combine sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and chili oil, adding garlic if using. Stir to create the dressing.
- Add rinsed cucumbers back to the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.
- Serve immediately or let sit for an additional 10 minutes for best flavor.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, let the cucumbers marinate in the dressing for 30 minutes to an hour. You can also add other vegetables or fruits for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian salad, healthy side dish, vegan salad, refreshing salad, quick salad