Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
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)

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why make this recipe

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. It is quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy days. This salad is not only light and healthy but also offers a delightful balance of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s an ideal side dish for Asian-inspired meals, barbecues, or as a crunchy snack!

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 (see notes)
3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp chili oil
1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Directions :

Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
Continue slicing at an angle. The slices should look more oval than round. Thickness is up to your preference.
Add the cucumber pieces to a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water from the cucumbers.
After 20 minutes, drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick 10-second rinse before returning them to the bowl or container.
Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
Stir until everything is well combined and serve. Enjoy!

how to serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is best served chilled. Toss it well before serving to ensure it is evenly mixed. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, or as part of an Asian meal. It also works great on its own as a light snack.

how to store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 2-3 days. Note that the cucumbers might soften over time, but the flavors will still be tasty.

tips to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Use Persian cucumbers for the best crunch and flavor. They are crisp and have fewer seeds compared to regular cucumbers.
Adjust the sugar to your taste, depending on how sweet you like the salad.
If you enjoy a spicy kick, you can increase the amount of chili oil.
For extra flavor, feel free to add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions.

variation

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and crunch. If you want a bit more protein, consider tossing in some cooked shrimp or tofu.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
A: Yes, you can, but regular cucumbers tend to be larger and have more seeds. If using them, you may want to scoop out the seeds before slicing.

Q: Is there a way to make it less salty?
A: You can reduce the amount of soy sauce and replace it with water or low-sodium soy sauce to decrease the saltiness.

Q: Can I make this salad in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve for the best taste.