Description
Cool cucumber slices dance with zesty sesame ginger dressing in this crisp Asian cucumber salad, bringing refreshing crunch to your table. Tangy, light, and packed with bold flavors, you’ll love this quick side dish that elevates any meal with its simple yet exciting Asian-inspired charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 large cucumbers
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic
Liquids and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers and generously coat with salt, allowing moisture to release for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- After 10 minutes, thoroughly drain and gently press cucumbers to remove excess liquid, preventing diluted dressing.
- Whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes in a separate mixing bowl until sugar dissolves completely.
- Pour prepared dressing over drained cucumber slices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the vibrant, tangy mixture.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds across the salad for added texture and aromatic complexity.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a refreshing and zesty side dish.
Notes
- Drain cucumbers thoroughly to prevent watery salad, using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out maximum moisture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes or using fresh sliced chilies for more intense spiciness.
- Make this salad vegan-friendly by replacing sugar with agave or maple syrup, ensuring clean dietary options.
- Prepare dressing in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days to develop deeper, richer flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 101 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg