Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Creating a fresh and tasty salad is one of the best parts of cooking. One dish that shines in its simplicity is the Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. This dish is not only flavorful but also quick to make. It is perfect for hot days when you want something light and refreshing. The salad brings together the crunch of cucumbers with a tasty dressing that is both sweet and spicy. Fresh cucumbers are full of water, making them ideal for salads that want to be crisp and cool. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious side dish or a light meal.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. First, it is incredibly simple. You do not need to be a great cook to prepare it. Even novice chefs can feel accomplished when they serve this dish. Second, it requires very few ingredients. Most of the items are pantry staples or can be easily found in local stores. Third, it is healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water content, and provide a good source of vitamins. This salad is also very versatile. It can be served alongside various dishes or enjoyed on its own. Whether you are hosting a barbecue, a family dinner, or a casual lunch, this salad is an excellent choice.

Finally, let’s not forget the taste. The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili oil gives it a unique flavor profile that tickles the taste buds. The crunch of cucumbers paired with the tanginess of rice vinegar and the sweetness of sugar creates a delightful balance. This salad is sure to impress your family and friends!

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
• 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp chili oil
• 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Directions:

1. Rinse the cucumbers under cool water to clean them. This step is essential to remove any dirt.
2. Slice one end of the cucumber at an angle. This first slice acts as a flat base.
3. Continue slicing the cucumbers at an angle to create oval-shaped slices. The angle helps create more surface area and a better texture.
4. Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over them. The salt will draw out moisture from the cucumbers, giving the salad a nice crunch.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors develop.
6. After chilling, drain the water that has come out of the cucumbers. Rinse the slices under cold water to remove excess salt and return them to the bowl.
7. Now, add 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil, 3/4 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of sugar, 3/4 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of chili oil to the cucumber slices. If you choose to add garlic, include 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic.
8. Mix everything well until all cucumber slices are coated with the dressing. This step is crucial to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
9. Serve fresh. You can garnish with extra sesame seeds or some fresh herbs if desired for a nice touch.

How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Serving the Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is simple. You can place it in a nice serving bowl and put it on the dining table. This salad goes well with many dishes, such as grilled meats, fried rice, or noodles. Because it is light and refreshing, it acts as a perfect contrast to heavier meals. You can also serve individual portions on small plates as a starter or appetizer.

If you want to add a pop of color, sprinkle some fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor. The salad can be a great side dish for any day of the week, from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings.

How to Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the salad ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Make sure to eat the salad within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture. As the salad sits, the cucumbers will continue to release moisture, which may make the salad a bit watery. If this happens, just drain off some of the excess liquid before serving.

Avoid freezing this salad, as cucumbers do not freeze well. Freezing can cause them to become mushy once thawed, which is not desirable for a salad.

Tips to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

1. Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Always opt for fresh cucumbers. Persian cucumbers are great for this recipe due to their mild flavor and crunchy texture.
2. Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the sugar, soy sauce, or chili oil according to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. If you prefer it spicier, add more chili oil.
3. Add a Crunch: For some added texture, consider adding chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews before serving.
4. Experiment with Aromatics: If you love bold flavors, try adding sliced onions or radishes for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
5. Serve Cold: This salad is best when served cold. Make sure to chill it before serving to enhance its refreshing qualities.

Variation

While the Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is delicious as is, you can easily make variations. Here are a few ideas:

• Carrot Addition: Add julienned carrots for a pop of color and extra crunch. They also add a slight sweetness that pairs well with cucumbers.
• Avocado Twist: Incorporate diced avocado for a creamy texture. This makes the salad more filling and satisfying.
• Spicy Variation: Increase the amount of chili oil or add some sliced jalapeños for heat. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, this variation can be a perfect fit.
• Sesame Replacement: Instead of sesame oil, you can use olive oil for a different flavor, though the taste will change slightly.

FAQs

What type of cucumbers should I use?

Persian cucumbers are recommended for this recipe because they are small and crisp. You can also use English cucumbers or regular cucumbers, but you may want to peel them to reduce bitterness.

Can I make the salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just remember that the cucumbers may become softer as they sit in the dressing, so it is best to serve it fresh if you prefer a crunch.

Can I skip the garlic?

Yes, you can skip the garlic if you do not like it. The salad will still taste great without it. You can even replace it with ginger for a different flavor twist.

Enjoy your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad! It’s delightfully refreshing, packed with flavor, and may become your new go-to salad for any occasion.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

A light and refreshing salad that showcases the crunch of cucumbers dressed in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for hot days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian, Healthy

Calories: 60

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 5 pieces Persian cucumbers Small and crisp cucumbers recommended for this salad.
• 1/2 tsp salt Used to draw out moisture from the cucumbers.
• 1/2 tbsp sesame oil Adds a rich flavor.
• 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce Provides umami flavor.
• 1/2-1 tbsp sugar Adjust according to taste.
• 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar For tanginess.
• 1 tbsp chili oil Adds spice.
• 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds For garnish.
• 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced) Optional for flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Rinse the cucumbers under cool water to clean them.
2. Slice one end of the cucumber at an angle to create a flat base.
3. Continue slicing the cucumbers at an angle to create oval-shaped slices.
4. Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over them.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
6. After chilling, drain the water and rinse the slices under cold water.

Mixing

1. Return the cucumber slices to the bowl and add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and chili oil. Add garlic if using.
2. Mix everything well until all cucumber slices are coated with the dressing.

Serving

1. Serve fresh, garnished with more sesame seeds or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Drain excess liquid before serving.