Why Make This Recipe
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that brings a burst of flavors and crunch to your meal. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip this salad together in no time. Plus, it’s a healthy choice packed with vitamins!
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, and the thickness can be adjusted to your liking.
- Add the cucumber slices to a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Mix the cucumbers and salt well, then refrigerate them for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water.
- After 20 minutes, drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick rinse for about 10 seconds. Return them to the bowl or container.
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using) to the cucumbers.
- Stir everything until well combined, then serve. Enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
You can serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats, rice dishes, or noodle bowls. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light snack.
How to Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
This salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 1-2 days. Note that the cucumbers may become softer over time, so enjoy it soon!
Tips to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Feel free to adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference. Start with 1/2 tbsp and add more if you like it sweeter.
- If you have other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, you can add them for extra crunch and color.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili oil or add fresh chili slices.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. For a twist, try using different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for a unique flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but Persian cucumbers have a sweeter taste and thinner skin, making them perfect for this salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce, then yes, this salad can be gluten-free!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the cucumbers and dressing ahead of time. Just mix them together right before serving for the best texture.
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 5 pieces Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2-1 tbsp sugar Adjust according to sweetness preference.
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil Increase for a spicier kick.
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
- Continue slicing at an angle to make oval slices, adjusting the thickness to your liking.
- Add the cucumber slices to a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Mix the cucumbers and salt well, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water.
- After 20 minutes, drain the water and rinse the cucumbers for about 10 seconds. Return them to the bowl.
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using) to the cucumbers.
- Stir everything until well combined, then serve.