A delectable spread perfect for your summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. This simple Asian cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with various dishes. Think of it next to grilled chicken skewers dripping with peanut sauce or a steaming bowl of jasmine rice. Even a good old plate of spring rolls will shine brighter with this salad on the side. Now, let’s embark on our culinary journey!
I’m thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – simple Asian cucumber salad. This dish is not just a salad; it’s a refreshing escape from mundane mealtimes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe’s simplicity and flavor make it an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.
What Do I Mean Simple Asian Cucumber Salad?
Simple Asian cucumber salad is a well-loved dish across many Asian cuisines. It features crunchy cucumbers drenched in a tangy, slightly spicy dressing. It’s cucumber like you’ve never had before: crisp, zesty, and supremely satisfying.
What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Simple Asian Cucumber Salads?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance and simplicity. While other cucumber salads might drown the cucumber in complex dressings, this one keeps the flavors straightforward. By using a few high-quality ingredients, each element’s natural tastes shine through.
You will also like the following Appetizer recipes!
- Copycat Spam Fries Recipe
- How to cook Rice Paper Sushi Roll
- Easy Rice Paper Dumplings With Meat Recipe
How Does It Taste Like?
Talking about its flavor, imagine a burst of freshness enveloped in subtle tang and piquant notes. The cucumbers stay crunchy, while the dressing, made with a kick of chili oil and the earthiness of sesame, hugs every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish:
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds a slight touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Enhances the flavor of other ingredients.
- 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Introduces a nutty aroma.
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger: Lends a refreshing zest.
- 1 tsp finely minced garlic: Brings a pungent, spicy edge.
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar: Provides the essential tanginess.
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce: Adds umami depth.
- 5 Persian cucumbers: The star of the dish.
- 1 tbsp spicy chili oil: Adds that necessary heat.
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds: For a crunchy garnish.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Once clean, you can decide whether to peel them or leave the skin on. For Persian cucumbers, I prefer to keep the skin for added crunch.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds. Place them in a large bowl, ready for action.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, sea salt, toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, finely minced garlic, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and spicy chili oil. Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Use a spoon to mix everything until the cucumbers are well-coated.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top for some additional flavor and texture. Gently toss once more, ensuring even distribution.
Tips & Tricks On Making Simple Asian Cucumber Salad
- Use Fresh Cucumbers: The fresher, the better for crunchy results.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Process: Allowing the salad to chill enhances its flavors.
- Use Toasted Sesame Oil: It has a richer and more complex flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Control the amount of chili oil to match your heat preference.
- Experiment with Garnishes: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
How Do I Store This Dish?
For storage, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crispy for up to 2 days.
What Other Substitute Can You Use in Simple Asian Cucumber Salad?
- Apple Cider Vinegar for Rice Vinegar: It might not be as mellow but adds a nice tang.
- English Cucumbers for Persian Cucumbers: They are easily available and work well.
- Honey for Granulated Sugar: Adds a different, more wholesome sweetness.
- Lemon Juice for Rice Vinegar: For a more citrusy zing.
- Chili Flakes for Spicy Chili Oil: An easy way to add heat without the oil.
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp finely minced garlic
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1 tbsp spicy chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Once clean, you can decide whether to peel them or leave the skin on. For Persian cucumbers, I prefer to keep the skin for added crunch.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds. Place them in a large bowl, ready for action.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, sea salt, toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, finely minced garlic, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and spicy chili oil. Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
- Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Use a spoon to mix everything until the cucumbers are well-coated.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
- Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top for some additional flavor and texture. Gently toss once more, ensuring even distribution.
Notes
- Use Fresh Cucumbers: The fresher, the better for crunchy results.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Process: Allowing the salad to chill enhances its flavors.
- Use Toasted Sesame Oil: It has a richer and more complex flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Control the amount of chili oil to match your heat preference.
- Experiment with Garnishes: A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add an extra kick.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can. It’s best when prepared a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld, but consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
2. What if I don’t have sesame oil?
You could skip it or use a bit of olive oil, but the unique taste that sesame oil provides will be missed.
3. Is this salad kid-friendly?
It can be. Simply adjust or omit the chili oil to suit their taste buds.
4. How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan!
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced red onions or bell peppers add more crunch and color.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a fresh, crisp, and utterly delightful simple Asian cucumber salad. It’s the dish you’ll find yourself coming back to, whether for a quick snack or an elegant dinner side. With its easy preparation, wholesome ingredients, and unforgettable flavor, it’s a recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a new family favorite!
You’ll also like these latest recipes!
- Best oatmeal with milk on stove
- How to make No bake summer mango pie
- Copycat Homemade dill pickle chips recipe
Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more