Description
This Asian Cucumber Salad is a quick and refreshing side dish featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a savory and mildly spicy marinade of soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame flavors. Perfect for a light snack or a complement to any Asian-inspired meal, this salad uses a unique spiral-cut technique to enhance texture and presentation.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 5 cucumbers
- 2 to 3 tbsp green onion, chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 3 tsp granulated white sugar
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp garlic, crushed
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tsp rice vinegar
- 3 tsp chili oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients needed for the salad to have everything ready for quick assembly.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onions. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil until well mixed. Set this marinade aside for later use.
- Prepare Cucumbers: Cut off both ends of each cucumber. Place each cucumber between a pair of chopsticks to prevent cutting all the way through, then make diagonal cuts down the length. Flip and make straight cuts across the uncut side to create a spiral effect.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Place the spiraled cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and gently massage the salt into them. Let them rest for 8 to 10 minutes to draw out excess water and enhance crunchiness.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
- Toss with Marinade: Pour the prepared marinade over the cucumbers and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using chopsticks while cutting helps create the distinctive spiral cucumber appearance without slicing all the way through.
- Letting the salted cucumbers sit helps remove excess moisture which keeps the salad crisp.
- Adjust chili oil amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Serving this salad chilled enhances its refreshing flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
