Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing dish perfect for warm days. It brings together the crunch of fresh cucumbers with savory and slightly sweet flavors. This salad is not just easy to make but also packed with flavor, making it a great side dish or snack.
Why Make This Recipe
You should consider making this easy Asian cucumber salad for several reasons. First, it requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it perfect for busy individuals or families. Second, cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, which add a healthy dimension to your meals. Finally, the combination of flavors in this recipe offers a delightful taste experience that is both tangy and savory, adding a delicious crunch to any meal. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or want a quick side for dinner, this salad is an excellent choice.
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: Start by rinsing the Persian cucumbers under cold water to clean them. Then, slice one end of the cucumber at an angle. This gives the slices an attractive oval shape.
Continue Slicing: Keep slicing the cucumber at an angle until you have sliced the whole cucumber. Ideally, the slices should be thin but not paper-like–aim for a thickness you enjoy.
Prep with Salt: Add the cucumber slices to a bowl or a container. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of salt over them. The salt draws out moisture from the cucumbers, intensifying their flavor.
Refrigerate: Mix the cucumbers gently to coat them with salt. Cover the bowl or container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This step helps to draw out the water and ensures your salad stays crisp.
Drain and Rinse: After 20 minutes, you’ll notice some water in the bowl. Drain this water off and give the cucumbers a quick rinse under cold tap water for about 10 seconds. This helps reduce the salty taste, especially if you prefer a less salty salad.
Combine Ingredients: Return the drained cucumber slices to the bowl/container. Add 1/2 tbsp sesame oil, 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce, the sugar (adjust to taste), 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp chili oil, 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds, and 1/2 tbsp minced garlic if you are using it.
Stir: Mix all the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Ensure the cucumbers are nicely coated with the dressing.
Serve: Once everything is mixed, you can either serve right away or let it sit for a few more minutes to enhance the flavors. Enjoy this tasty salad!
How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Serving easy Asian cucumber salad is simple. You can serve it cold right from the fridge, making it extra refreshing. It pairs well with grilled meats, sushi, or rice dishes. Use it as a topping for rice bowls to add a crunchy texture, or serve it as a stand-alone appetizer. For more presentation, add some extra sesame seeds on top or slice the cucumbers into ribbons using a vegetable peeler for a more elegant look.
How to Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
You can store your easy Asian cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed the same day for optimal freshness and crunch. However, it will keep for up to two days in the fridge. If you notice the cucumbers have released more water, you might want to drain that off before serving again. The flavors may develop more as it sits, but the texture can become softer, so enjoy it sooner rather than later!
Tips to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Select Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh Persian cucumbers for the best-crunchy texture. You can also use English cucumbers as a substitute.
Adjust Sugar and Spice: Taste your dressing before mixing it in completely. Adjust the sugar according to your preference for sweetness. If you like a spicier kick, add more chili oil.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the salad helps combine flavors and enhances taste, so do not skip that step!
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even some chopped scallions to add more color and texture to your salad.
Flavor Enhancers: Try adding a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for additional flavors.
Variation
If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding sliced radishes for a peppery bite or even diced avocado for creaminess. You could make this salad more substantial by tossing in some cooked quinoa or a handful of shredded cabbage.
Another variation includes incorporating some protein, like chilled shrimp or shredded chicken, to turn this salad into a hearty meal.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers! Just note that they may have larger seeds and a slightly thicker skin, so you may wish to peel and scoop out some seeds for a better texture in your salad.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce, this salad can easily be made gluten-free. Check labels on the soy sauce to ensure it fits your dietary needs.
How spicy is this salad?
The spiciness of the salad largely depends on how much chili oil you add. For a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount of chili oil, and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Can I make this salad in advance?
While you can prepare the salad in advance, the cucumbers will lose some crunch over time. If making it before serving, consider preparing the dressing separately and combining them just before serving to maintain freshness.
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
When serving leftovers, give the salad a good stir and check for any excess water that may have accumulated. A quick re-chill can also revitalize the flavors. If desired, adjust the seasoning just before serving.
With this easy Asian cucumber salad recipe, you’ll have a delightful and crunchy dish ready for any occasion. Enjoy making it and savoring each refreshing bite!
Print
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and crunchy Asian cucumber salad perfect for warm days, packed with savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2–1 tbsp sugar (to taste)
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Persian cucumbers under cold water and slice one end at an angle for attractive slices.
- Continue slicing the cucumber at an angle until fully sliced.
- Add sliced cucumbers to a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and mix gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Drain excess water and rinse cucumbers under cold water.
- Return cucumbers to the bowl and add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (if using).
- Mix until well combined, then serve immediately or let sit to enhance flavors.
Notes
Use fresh cucumbers for the best texture. Adjust sugar and spice according to taste and feel free to add other veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Raw
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian salad, summer salad, refreshing salad