Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: Quick and Delicious Recipe

Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: Quick and Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 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 see notes; 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp chili oil; 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tbsp garlic minced optional

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There’s something about summer that calls for crisp, refreshing flavors. Remember that delightful crunch of cool cucumbers in a salad? It’s all about the easy Asian cucumber salad. This dish is buzzing on TikTok and Pinterest, perfect for hot days and backyard gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

This easy Asian cucumber salad is like a crunchy hug on your platerefreshing, tangy, and incredibly simple! Here’s what makes it a must-try:

Ingredients for EASY ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD, neatly arranged and clearly displayed

Quick to Make: You can whip this up in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy summer days when you want something light and tasty!
Versatile Side Dish: Whether served alongside grilled chicken, at a picnic, or as a snack, this salad fits perfectly anywhere.
Flavor Packed: The blend of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili oil delivers a delightful mix that’s both savory and mildly spicy.
Customizable: Want more kick? Add extra chili oil. Prefer it milder? Simply reduce the amount. It’s all about your preference!

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s explore the star ingredients of this dish. Each one adds its own special touch, creating a refreshing cucumber salad you’ll want to make again and again!

5 Persian Cucumbers: Their crunchiness is ideal for salads. If unavailable, any firm cucumber works well.
Sesame Oil: Adds a lovely nutty flavor. Don’t skimpit’s what gives the salad its distinctive character.
Light Soy Sauce: Provides essential umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, tamari works perfectly.
Rice Vinegar: Brings a bright tang that keeps the salad refreshing.
Chili Oil: Adds heat! Adjust based on how spicy you like it.

Ingredient	Possible Swaps
Persian Cucumbers	English Cucumbers, slicing cucumbers
Sesame Oil	Olive oil (for a lighter flavor)
Light Soy Sauce	Tamari for GF option, coconut aminos for lower sodium
Rice Vinegar	Apple cider vinegar (slightly different flavor)
Chili Oil	Red pepper flakes (for less oil)

Simple Steps to Make It

Making this easy Asian cucumber salad is straightforward! Follow these simple steps and enjoy a delicious dish in no time:

Prep the Cucumbers: Rinse well and slice cucumbers at an angle. Aim for thin, oval shapes, or adjust thickness to your liking.
Salt It: Place the slices in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt. This draws out moisture and keeps the salad crisp.
Chill: Let salted cucumbers sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to release moisture and enhance flavor.
Combine the Dressings: Drain excess water and rinse cucumbers briefly. Mix in sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and optional garlic.
Mix & Serve: Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if neededmore sugar for sweetness or extra vinegar for tang!

Pro Tips & Variations

Try these tips and variations to make the salad even better:

Make It Ahead: Prepare the dressing in advance and toss with cucumbers just before serving for maximum freshness.
Add Textures: For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like peanuts or sliced radishesthey bring fun texture and zing.
Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar based on your taste and the chili oil’s heat level. Start with less and add more if you like.
Garlic Lover’s Delight: If you enjoy garlic, add minced garlic for wonderful aroma and depth.

How to Serve & Store

This salad is best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to enjoy them later:

Serving Suggestions: Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a light snack on its own.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that cucumbers will continue releasing moisture, so the salad may become slightly watery.
Reheat Tricks: No reheating needed! Just give it a good stir before serving.

Expert Says

Including cucumbers in this EASY ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD adds refreshing crunch and hydration, thanks to their high water content of over 95%. This also brings texture while keeping your dish light and invigorating. Enjoy it as a crisp side or a standalone snack!

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The Long Road to Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

After many attempts that often ended with overly salty batches and soggy veggies, I finally perfected this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. Each try taught me the importance of balancing flavors and maintaining a quick, crisp crunchmaking this dish a refreshing staple at our family dinners.

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.

EASY ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD plated and ready to serve, clean and vibrant

Conclusion

And there you have ityour easy Asian cucumber salad ready in just 25 minutes! You’ll love its crunchy, vibrant texture and the mouthwatering aroma of sesame oil filling your kitchen. It’s the perfect side for sunny days or a light snack that brings a touch of summer to your plate all year round.

Feel free to get creative! Add a splash of lime for a zesty twist or some chopped nuts for extra crunch. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh for a couple of daysthough I bet they won’t last that long! A little trick from my aunt: sprinkle fresh herbs on top to brighten the flavors even more.

Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you grow up enjoying something similar? Snap a photo and share your version or any fun memories this salad brings back. Don’t forget to save and share this recipeit’s the kind of dish that feels like home and lifts spirits at any gathering!

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