Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a delightful, refreshing dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine. Perfect for a hot summer day or as a light side dish for dinner, it’s both quick to prepare and full of deliciously bright flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad:
- Flavorful: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili oil creates a savory and tangy profile that’s simply irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just a few minutes, this salad is perfect for those busy weekdays or unexpected guests.
- Healthy & Refreshing: Crisp cucumbers provide a satisfying crunch while being low in calories and high in hydration.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it a great choice for meal prep.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can enjoy the light and refreshing taste of this salad.
Ingredients Needed:
- Cucumbers:
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- Seasoning:
- 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
- Toppings:
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic, minced (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle. Continue slicing at an angle until the entire cucumber is sliced.
- Add the cucumber slices to a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- Drain excess water and rinse cucumbers, returning them to the bowl.
- Add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic to the cucumbers.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined and serve chilled.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or beef, and can also be served alongside rice dishes or as a light appetizer at parties.
Tips for Success with Easy Asian Cucumber Salad:
- Choose Fresh Cucumbers: The fresher your cucumbers, the better the salad will taste. Look for firm cucumbers without blemishes.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you have a preference for heat, feel free to add more chili oil or even some sliced fresh chili.
- Add Proteins: For a more filling option, consider adding shredded chicken or tofu.
- Customization: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or red bell peppers for more color and texture.
Variation
For a variation, you can try adding sliced avocados for a creamier texture or sprinkle in some chopped herbs like cilantro or mint for additional freshness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
A: Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but they may have more seeds and a slightly more watery texture.
Q: How long can I store this salad?
A: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use a gluten-free soy sauce, this dish can easily be made gluten-free!
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle. Continue slicing at an angle until the entire cucumber is sliced.
- Add the cucumber slices to a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- Drain excess water and rinse cucumbers, returning them to the bowl.
- Add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic to the cucumbers.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined and serve chilled.
