Asian Cucumber Salad
This easy Asian Cucumber Salad has crisp cucumbers tossed in a flavorful garlic, sesame, soy, and chili oil dressing. A refreshing side dish with savory, tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Rest & Chill Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: cucumber recipe, quick salad
Servings: 4
Author: Sandy Clifton
- 1 pound Persian Cucumbers (or 1-2 large English Cucumbers)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Low Sodium Soy Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Toasted Sesame Oil
- 2 teaspoons Chili Crunch (or Chili Oil)
- 3 cloves Garlic (finely minced or pressed)
For Serving
- Sesame Seeds
- Sliced Green Onion
- Additional Chili Crunch optional
Slice the cucumbers into about ½-inch thick rounds.
Place the cucumber slices in a colander and toss with the kosher salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
While cucumbers are salting, make the dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, chili crunch, and garlic.
Briefly rinse the cucumbers under cold water. Dry very well with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Add the cucumbers to a bowl and toss with the dressing until well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Taste and adjust the seasoning or chili crunch, if desired. Serve chilled with sesame seeds, sliced green onion, and additional chili crunch.
- Persian cucumbers are ideal for making small, thick rounds, but English cucumber also works very well.
- Regular chili oil can be substituted for the chili crunch.
- For a less sweet dressing, reduce the granulated sugar to 2 teaspoons.
- Drying the cucumbers thoroughly after rinsing helps prevent the dressing from becoming watery.
Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 190mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g