Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready for something crisp, refreshing, and delightfully simple? Today we’re diving into the world of Easy Asian Cucumber Salad—a dish that carries both elegance and comfort. 🥒✨
This salad is a staple in many Asian households, often prepared in minutes yet offering flavors that linger long after the last bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: cool cucumbers against a lively dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a gentle heat from chili flakes. It’s a harmony of salty, tangy, nutty, and just a touch spicy.
Traditionally, cucumber salads like this one are served as side dishes to complement heavier mains, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself enjoying it as a refreshing light meal on its own. Its versatility is endless—you can serve it alongside rice, grilled meats, or even add it to your picnic basket on a warm day.
Let’s gather our ingredients and bring this classic, refreshing salad to life. Trust me, once you’ve made it, it will become your go-to quick dish for hot afternoons or when you crave something crunchy and zesty. 🌱🥢
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian preferred)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (for draining cucumbers)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
🥢 Step-by-Step Directions:
- Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. If using English cucumbers, keep the skin on for extra crunch. For thicker cucumbers, peel partially for a pretty striped effect. 🥒
- Place cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and toss well. Let them sit for 15 minutes to release excess water. Drain and gently squeeze out extra liquid with clean hands or paper towels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and red pepper flakes until sugar dissolves. 🌶️
- Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers and toss until evenly coated.
- Add green onions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for extra nuttiness. 🌿
- Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or light snack.
🥗 Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 0 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 20 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: 90 | 🍽️ Servings: 4
This salad is low in calories, rich in hydration, and provides a good dose of antioxidants from cucumbers and garlic. Sesame seeds bring healthy fats, while soy sauce adds a savory depth. A light, nourishing choice for any meal!
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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
