Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
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)

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Why Make This Recipe

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a quick and refreshing dish that brings a burst of flavor to your meals. It’s light and healthy, making it perfect for hot days or as a side dish to your favorite Asian dishes. With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this salad is a great way to enjoy cucumbers. Plus, it can be made in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

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 so the slices look more oval than round. The thickness of the slices 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 well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water.
After chilling, 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 minced garlic (if using).
Stir everything until well combined and serve. Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is best served chilled. You can serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats, fried rice, or any Asian-inspired meal. It also works great as a light snack. For an extra touch, you can garnish it with more sesame seeds or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

How to Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers, you can store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers may lose their crunch over time.

Tips to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Adjust the sugar to your taste. You can make it sweeter or less sweet depending on your preference.
For added crunch, consider mixing in some chopped peanuts or cashews.
If you like more spice, add extra chili oil or even some sliced fresh chili peppers.

Variation

You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to the salad for more color and texture. Additionally, swapping out the chili oil for a spicy sesame oil can give it a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but you may want to peel them to remove the bitter skin and remove the seeds to keep the salad crisp.

2. Is this salad gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce, then yes, this salad can be gluten-free.

3. How long does the salad last in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in the fridge for about 2-3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh as the cucumbers can become soggy over time.

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a simple and delicious addition to any meal. With its easy preparation, you can whip it up in no time!

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad