Description
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a quick, refreshing dish that combines crisp Persian cucumbers with a tangy, slightly spicy dressing. Perfect as a side or light appetizer, it highlights simple ingredients turned flavorful with minimal effort, making it ideal for hot days or when you need a cooling, flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumber Mixture
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
Salad Dressing
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2-1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic minced (optional)
Instructions
- Slice and Salt: Rinse one end of the cucumbers and slice at an angle into oval-shaped pieces of your preferred thickness. Place them in a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt, and mix well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the cucumbers to remove excess water, then give them a quick rinse under cold water for about 10 seconds. Return the cucumbers to the bowl.
- Prepare Dressing: Add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (if using) to the cucumbers. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the sugar or chili oil if needed. Serve immediately or chill briefly to enhance flavors. Enjoy this cool, flavorful salad!
Notes
- Start with 1/2 tbsp of sugar and add more if needed, based on your taste and the heat level of the chili oil.
- Garlic is optional but recommended for added flavor; include it or leave it out according to your preference.
- Adjust the chili oil amount to control spice level; homemade or store-bought chili oil works perfectly.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours for slightly enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 150g)
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
