Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 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

This salad is quick, fresh, and full of flavor. It uses simple pantry items and bright cucumbers. Make it when you want a light side dish or a fast snack. If you like simple dressings, try this with a strawberry salad vinaigrette dressing some other day for more variety.

introduction

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is crisp, tangy, and a little spicy. It takes about 30 minutes mainly for chilling. The salt draws out water from the cucumbers so they stay crunchy. The dressing is sesame oil, soy, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili oil. You can add garlic if you want more kick.

how to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Rinse cucumbers and slice one end at an angle.
Continue slicing at an angle so pieces look oval. Cut to the thickness you like.
Put slices in a bowl or container and sprinkle 1/2 tsp salt. Mix well.
Refrigerate at least 20 minutes to draw out water.
Drain the water and rinse the cucumbers quickly for 10 seconds. Return them to the bowl.
Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar (use 1/2–1 tbsp to taste), rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic if you use it.
Stir until well mixed and serve.

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. Slices should look more oval than round. Thickness should be up to preference.
Add to a bowl/container and sprinkle 1/2 tsp of salt.
Mix that well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water.
Drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick 10 seconds rinse before returning back to the bowl/container.
Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
Stir until well combined and serve. Enjoy!

how to serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Serve chilled as a side with rice, noodles, or grilled meat. It pairs well with spicy dishes to cool the palate. You can also use it as a topping for bowls or sandwiches.

how to store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Eat within 2–3 days for best crunch. If it gets soggy, drain the liquid and toss with a little extra sesame oil before serving.

tips to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Use Persian or English cucumbers for thinner skin and fewer seeds.
Taste the dressing and adjust sugar from 1/2 to 1 tbsp to suit your preference.
If you want less heat, reduce the chili oil.
For best crunch, salt and chill the cucumbers before adding dressing.
For more menu ideas, check quick tips like these easy baking tips for busy evenings to save time in the kitchen.

variation (if any)

Add sliced scallions or cilantro for fresh flavor.
Use rice vinegar only or add a splash of lime juice for brightness.
Replace chili oil with red pepper flakes or a mild chili paste for different heat.
Add thinly sliced carrots or radish for color and crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular cucumbers?
A: Yes. Peel and remove seeds if they are large so the salad is not bitter.

Q: Is this salad spicy?
A: It can be. Use less chili oil for a mild taste.

Q: Can I skip the sugar?
A: You can, but a little sugar balances the soy and vinegar. Try 1/2 tbsp first.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can salt and chill the cucumbers ahead, but add dressing just before serving for best crunch.

Q: Is garlic required?
A: No. Garlic is optional. Leave it out if you prefer a cleaner taste.

Conclusion

Try this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad when you want a fast, fresh side. For another simple take on cucumber salads, see this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – Farah J. Eats for ideas. If you want a different style of Asian cucumber salad, this version has helpful notes at Asian Cucumber Salad | Feasting At Home.