There’s something special about the crisp sound of sliced cucumbers hitting a bowl. This easy Asian cucumber salad brings back memories of summer picnics, combining a refreshing crunch with a tangy kick that’s just perfect. It’s been a hit at family gatherings lately, and trust meyou’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!
This salad is all about simplicity and flavor. With fresh cucumbers, a splash of rice vinegar, and a hint of sesame oil, it comes together in a snap. It’s like your favorite childhood salad but takes just 10 minutes to whip up. Plus, it’s healthy and low-carb, making it a great side dish that everyone will love.
I started making this salad during hot summer days back in 2016, hoping to beat the heat. My neighbor, who loves Thai food, took a bite and exclaimed, “This is so refreshing!” The secret? Don’t skip the sesame oilit adds depth that takes it to another level. After years of sharing recipes, this crunchy side dish always earns rave reviews.
Yesica Andrews
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: Quick and Delicious Recipe
This easy Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy dressing. Perfect as a quick appetizer or a side dish, this recipe highlights the best of spicy cucumber salad Asian style and sesame cucumber salad classics. Enjoy a crisp, low carb Asian cucumber side dish with a boost of chili oil and rice vinegar for a bright, vibrant taste.
Trim one end of each cucumber and cut into angled thin slices to form oval shapes to your preferred thickness.
Place the cucumber slices into a bowl and sprinkle with salt, then toss to coat evenly.
Cover and chill the salted cucumbers in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to release excess moisture.
After chilling, drain the liquid and rinse cucumbers briefly under cold water for about 10 seconds; drain well.
Return the cucumbers to the bowl and stir in sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic if using.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the cucumbers are well coated with the dressing.
Serve the salad immediately for the best fresh flavor and crunch. Enjoy!
Notes
Start with 1/2 tbsp sugar and adjust to your taste depending on the chili oil used.
Garlic is optional but recommended for added flavor.
Adjust chili oil quantity based on your preferred spice level.
This salad is best enjoyed freshly made.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: This easy Asian cucumber salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights.
Light and Refreshing: The combination of cucumbers and a zesty dressing creates a crunchy, refreshing salad that pairs beautifully with any meal.
Healthy and Low-Carb: Enjoy this delicious salad guilt-free as a low carb Asian cucumber side dish that’s both tasty and nutritious.
Flexible Flavor: Adjust the dressing to hit your flavor preferenceswhether you want it sweeter, spicier, or with a hint of garlic.
Key Ingredients and Tools
To create this delightful salad, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients and basic kitchen tools:
Cucumbers: Use 5 Persian cucumbers for that extra crunch.
Dressing Ingredients: Sesame oil, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (optional).
Tools: A sharp knife for slicing, a bowl for mixing, and a refrigerator to chill.
How It Works: Step-by-Step Instructions
Rinse your cucumbers, then slice them at an angle for an oval shape, avoiding round cuts for texture.
Add the sliced cucumbers to a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt. Toss well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
After chilling, drain the cucumbers and give them a quick rinse to remove excess salt. Return to the bowl.
Add in sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic. Toss everything until well combined.
Serve immediately and enjoy this easy Asian cucumber salad as a refreshing side dish.
Troubleshooting Tips
Too Salty? Rinsing the cucumbers after salting should help, but if it’s still too salty, try adding more sugar or vinegar to balance it out.
Not Crunchy Enough? Ensure you’re using fresh cucumbers. If they’re limp, they won’t have that perfect bite.
Want More Heat? Adjust the chili oil to your tasteit can easily be increased for a spicier cucumber salad.
Tweaks and Swaps
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas for customization:
For a vegan Asian cucumber salad, the ingredients are already plant-based. Consider adding crumbled tofu for extra protein.
Add sliced scallions or chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
If you prefer a spicy cucumber salad Asian-style, try adding some sliced jalapeños with your cucumbers.
Serving and Storage Tips
This salad shines best when served chilled and immediately after preparation. However, here are some pointers for storage and serving:
Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Perfect alongside grilled meats, as a topping for rice bowls, or as a snack on its own!
Now that you have all the essential details, I hope you feel inspired to whip up this easy Asian cucumber salad. It’s a delightful way to add some crunch and flavor to your meals. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
Expert Says
To elevate your EASY ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD, consider the crisp texture of fresh cucumbers, which contain over 95% watermaking them hydrating and refreshing. Additionally, marinating them briefly in dressing can enhance their flavor, allowing the salad to burst with savory and tangy notes that balance perfectly with each bite.
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The Quest for the Perfect Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
After several attempts, it all clicked while I was chopping cucumbers one quiet afternoon. I learned the importance of balancing vinegar and sugar, and how a little sesame oil elevates everything. Now this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad feels right at home on our family table, fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor.
FAQs ( Easy Asian Cucumber Salad )
How long does cucumber salad last in the fridge?
This dish can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days if stored properly in an airtight container. However, for the best flavor and crunch, it’s ideal to eat it within the first couple of days.
Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this meal a few hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until serving to maintain its freshness and crispness.
What kind of cucumbers are best for salad?
For salads, English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are great choices because they are sweeter and have fewer seeds. They also have a thinner skin, which adds to the crisp texture.
How do I prepare cucumbers for salad?
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly for a refreshing bite, and if they are particularly watery, you can sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing to remove excess moisture.
What dressings go well with cucumber salad?
This dish pairs well with light dressings like rice vinegar or sesame oil. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a touch of sesame seeds to enhance the taste.
Conclusion
There you have ityour go-to easy Asian cucumber salad ready in just 25 minutes! Crisp, zesty, and oh-so-refreshing, it’s sure to become a favorite at your family meals. You’ll love how the flavors dance together, creating a delightful side that complements just about anything!
Feel free to mix it up! A splash of lime or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts could be a fun twist. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to two days to maintain that lovely crunch. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen is to serve it chilledoh-so-refreshing!
I’d love to hear how your family enjoys this dish! Did you grow up with a special cucumber salad recipe? Snap a photo and share your memories below. And remember, save this recipe for those sunny days aheadeveryone will want a taste of your homemade goodness!
