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Spicy & Tangy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 13 reviews

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and crunchy side dish featuring thinly sliced Persian cucumbers tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili oil. Perfectly balanced with a refreshing zing and a hint of nuttiness from toasted sesame seeds, it's a quick and delightful addition to any meal.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Salad Base

  • 4 units Persian Cucumbers (best for their thin skin and minimal seeds)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (to draw out excess water)

For the Zingy Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (provides bright tanginess)
  • 1 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce (adds savory umami depth)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (adds nutty aroma)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar (balances acidity and spice)
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Oil (adjust for desired heat)

For Garnish & Extra Flavor

  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (toasted for added crunch)
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced, optional for flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Cucumbers: Rinse the Persian cucumbers thoroughly and slice them diagonally into medium-thick, oval-shaped pieces for the perfect texture and bite.
  2. Salt the Cucumbers: Place the cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and toss well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture, ensuring crispness in the final salad.
  3. Rinse and Drain: After refrigerating, drain the liquid released from the cucumbers. Rinse the slices briefly under cold water to remove excess salt, then return them to the bowl and drain well.
  4. Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon chili oil, and optionally 1 minced garlic clove. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld.
  5. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every slice is coated in the tangy, spicy dressing.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and nutty aroma. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crispness.

Notes

  • For the best texture and taste, serve the salad immediately after dressing.
  • Optional: Add fresh chopped green onions for extra color and bite.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegan

Find it online: https://cozykitchenbymaya.com/spicy-and-tangy-asian-cucumber-salad-recipe/