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Asian Cucumber Salad with Spicy Sesame Dressing Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

This Asian Cucumber Salad features crisp Persian cucumbers spiral-cut and tossed in a glossy, flavorful dressing combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. Quick to prepare and perfectly balanced with salty, sweet, and slightly spicy notes, this refreshing salad makes an ideal healthy side dish for any meal.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

The Cucumbers

  • 6 Persian cucumbers
  • 2 teaspoons salt

The Dressing

  • ½ tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons chili oil or chili flakes (such as Gochugaru)
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Sesame seeds, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and pat dry the Persian cucumbers thoroughly to remove any dirt and moisture.
  2. Spiral-cut the cucumbers: Lay two chopsticks crosswise on a flat surface, perpendicular to each other. Place a cucumber snugly between them to prevent cutting through. Using a sharp knife, make thin straight cuts on top of the cucumber, then flip it and make angled cuts on the opposite side, ensuring each cut hits the chopsticks to avoid slicing all the way through. This creates a spiral or slinky effect. Repeat for all cucumbers.
  3. Salt and rest the cucumbers: Place the cut cucumbers in a bowl, generously sprinkle 2 teaspoons of salt over them, and gently rub the salt into the cucumbers. Let them rest for up to 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  4. Rinse and dry: After 10 minutes, thoroughly rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry using a clean towel or paper towels to prepare for the dressing.
  5. Make the dressing: In a measuring cup or mason jar, combine ½ tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 teaspoons chili oil or chili flakes, 2 teaspoons honey, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Stir or shake well and taste to adjust flavors if needed.
  6. Toss salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers and mix gently to coat evenly. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
  7. Serve immediately: For best flavor and texture, enjoy the salad right away. It works well as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

  • If Gochugaru chili oil is unavailable, you can substitute with hot honey (which also adds sweetness), Calabrian chili oil, chili flakes, or any chili-infused oil you have on hand.
  • Do not let cucumbers sit with salt longer than 10 minutes to prevent them from becoming overly soft or watery.
  • This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day in an airtight container.
  • Use Persian cucumbers or other thin-skinned cucumbers for best texture; slicing with chopsticks ensures even spiral cuts without cutting through.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/asian-cucumber-salad-with-spicy-sesame-dressing-recipe/