Looking for a fresh and spicy side dish? Discover how to make this crunchy Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad with a perfect blend of flavors. Try now!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A refreshing and spicy side dish perfect for any meal
- Quick and easy to prepare, great for weeknight dinner ideas
- Light and healthy, with a burst of Asian-inspired flavors
- Beautiful presentation that’s perfect for entertaining
- Customizable to your desired level of spiciness
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad:
- 6-8 Persian cucumbers
- 2 tbsp salt
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 green onion
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochugaru
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad. It’s easier than you think, and you’ll be enjoying it in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by placing a chopstick on either side of the cucumber. Make 45-degree slices into it, allowing the chopsticks to guide you so you don’t slice all the way through. Rotate the cucumber to the other side and make straight 90-degree cuts. This will leave you with a beautiful spiral shape!
Step 2: Draw Out Moisture
Add all the spiral cucumbers to a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Massage the salt into the slices and let sit for 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial to draw out as much moisture as possible, ensuring your salad stays crunchy.
Step 3: Prepare Aromatics
While the cucumbers are sitting, mince your garlic and thinly slice the green onion. These will add fresh, aromatic flavors to your salad.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the salt off the cucumbers quickly and drain well. Pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Don’t worry, they won’t reabsorb the water after this quick rinse!
Step 5: Combine Flavors
Add the minced garlic, green onion, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochugaru, brown sugar, and sesame seeds to the bowl. Massage everything into the cucumbers until they’re evenly coated. The combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors will have your taste buds dancing!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed right away while the cucumbers are still crunchy. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, and it’s also delicious as a light snack on its own.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad turns out perfectly every time:
- Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of gochugaru or omit it entirely. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more!
- Use the Right Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are the best choice for this recipe because they’re thin-skinned and have a sweeter flavor. Avoid using regular cucumbers as they have a thicker skin and more seeds.
- Don’t Skip the Salt Step: The salt helps draw out moisture from the cucumbers, ensuring they stay crunchy in the salad. Don’t be tempted to skip this step!
- Add Some Crunch: If you want extra texture, you can add some toasted peanuts or cashews to the salad. They pair beautifully with the sesame seeds and spicy flavors.
How to Serve
This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:
- As a Side Dish: It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or as a side for your favorite stir-fry. Try it alongside some Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips for a sweet and savory combination.
- As a Light Lunch: Add some cooked chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal. It’s also delicious with a side of Fresh Vegetable Tortilla Roll-Ups for a quick and easy lunch.
- As an Appetizer: The colorful presentation and bold flavors make it a great choice for entertaining. Serve it alongside some Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks for a well-rounded appetizer platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time to make it quicker to assemble when you’re ready to serve.
- Make Ahead: You can slice the cucumbers and let them sit with the salt up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Storage: Once assembled, the salad is best consumed within a few hours. If you need to store it longer, keep it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving. The flavors will meld together beautifully, but the cucumbers may lose some of their crunch over time.
There you have it—a simple and delicious recipe for Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner idea, a light lunch, or a flavorful side dish, this salad is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the delightful combination of spicy and fresh flavors in every bite!
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 6-8 Persian cucumbers
- 2 tbsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic cloves minced
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 0.5 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochugaru
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers using the chopstick method to create spiral shapes.
- Add salt to cucumbers, massage, and let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Rinse cucumbers quickly, drain, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Add garlic, green onion, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochugaru, brown sugar, and sesame seeds. Massage well.
- Enjoy immediately for optimal crunch and flavor.