Crisp and Refreshing: A Taste of Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Growing up, one of my family’s go-to dishes on warm summer days was a vibrant cucumber salad. It was quick to prepare, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious! This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad perfectly embodies those memories. With just a handful of ingredients, this salad packs a punch of flavor thanks to sesame oil, soy sauce, and a hint of chili heat. It’s the kind of dish you whip up when you need something light yet satisfying, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a picnic in the park.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
You may be wondering why you should add this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad to your culinary repertoire. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to whip up—perfect for those busy evenings when you need a healthy side dish. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and packed with flavor, ensuring it will appeal to the whole family—even the picky eaters! The combination of crunchy cucumbers and a savory dressing makes it a refreshing contrast to richer main courses like stir-fries or grilled meats.
"This salad was a hit at our last family gathering! The flavors are so vibrant. We couldn’t get enough!" – Sarah R.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Making this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is truly a breeze. You’ll start by slicing the cucumber and letting it marinate briefly to enhance its flavor. Next, you’ll combine a delicious mix of sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili oil for a dressing that transforms simple cucumbers into a standout dish. The whole process can be wrapped up in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal.
What You’ll Need
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2-1 tbsp sugar (adjust to your taste)
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)
Feel free to swap Persian cucumbers for English or Japanese cucumbers, which also work well. Personal tastes may dictate the amount of sugar or chili oil, so adjust these ingredients to find your perfect balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by rinsing and slicing one end of the cucumber at an angle.
- Continue slicing at an angle to achieve oval-shaped pieces, adjusting the thickness based on your preference.
- Place the cucumber slices into a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Once marinated, drain the liquid and give the cucumbers a quick rinse for about 10 seconds before returning them to the bowl.
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using).
- Stir everything until well combined, then serve and enjoy!
Creative Ideas for Serving
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is versatile and complements many dishes beautifully. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, beef stir-fry, or as part of a refreshing rice bowl. Consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added visual appeal. For a more substantial meal, serve it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is simple. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing it after draining excess liquid, though the texture may change upon thawing.
Pro Chef Tips
- Salt Your Cucumbers: Salting the cucumbers at the beginning not only enhances flavor but also helps maintain their crunchiness.
- Customize the Heat: If you love spice, feel free to increase the amount of chili oil or even add some chopped fresh chili for a bolder kick.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Creative Twists
While this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is delicious as-is, don’t hesitate to experiment. Add diced avocados or mango for sweetness, or toss in sliced radishes for an extra crunch. If you’re looking for a vegan version, simply exclude the minced garlic, or swap soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prep time for this salad?
The preparation time for this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is about 10 minutes, plus an additional 20 minutes for refrigeration to enhance the flavors and draw out moisture.
Can I use a different type of cucumber?
Absolutely! While Persian cucumbers are ideal for their mild flavor and crunch, you can also use English or even regular garden cucumbers. Just adjust your salting and soaking times accordingly.
How do I know if the cucumbers are fresh?
Fresh cucumbers should be firm, with smooth, unblemished skin. They should feel heavy for their size and should not have a soft or wrinkled exterior.
Now, dig in and enjoy this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad that’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and refreshing cucumber salad with a flavorful sesame and soy dressing, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 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
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp minced garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
- Continue slicing at an angle to achieve oval-shaped pieces.
- Place the cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt, mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
- Once marinated, drain the liquid and give the cucumbers a quick rinse for about 10 seconds.
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using).
- Stir until well combined, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, though it can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg