Delicious Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Looking for a refreshing and flavorful side dish to elevate your meals? Look no further than this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. With just a few simple ingredients like crisp Persian cucumbers, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of chili oil, this salad packs a punch of tangy-savory goodness that will have your taste buds dancing. The secret to keeping this salad extra crunchy and delicious? A quick salt technique that works like magic, even when made ahead.

I have a special connection with this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad that goes back to sweltering summers and family gatherings. From impressing guests at cookouts to earning the stamp of approval from even the pickiest eaters, this salad has become a staple in my recipe repertoire. Inspired by my grandma’s timeless recipe, the flavors in this salad are a testament to the beauty of simplicity and patience. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats, teriyaki chicken, or as a refreshing side to spicy dishes, this salad is sure to be a hit every time.

Easily customizable to suit your preferences, this cucumber salad welcomes additions like radish slices, julienned carrots, or even pickled red onions for a flavor boost. And the best part? It stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or meal preps. So, if you’re looking for a versatile, crowd-pleasing salad that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is your answer.

Quick Benefits

• Maintains crunchiness even when made ahead thanks to the quick salt technique
• Adaptable to various ingredients like radishes, carrots, and red onions for added flavors and colors
• Stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making it a convenient make-ahead dish
• Perfect accompaniment to rich or spicy main dishes, providing a refreshing counterpoint

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe Recipe

• Perfect Blend of Flavors: The tangy-savory dressing made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil creates a delicious and balanced flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
• Crunchy and Refreshing: The quick salt technique used in this recipe keeps the cucumbers crunchy and refreshing, making it a perfect summer side dish or a palate cleanser for rich or spicy main dishes.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have in your fridge or garden. Add radishes, carrots, or red onions for extra flavors and colors, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
• Long-Lasting Freshness: Unlike typical dressed salads, this cucumber salad can be refrigerated for up to three days without getting soggy, thanks to the salt technique. It’s great for meal prepping or making ahead for gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: From picky eaters to meat lovers, this salad has won over even the most skeptical veggie-avoiders. It’s a versatile dish that complements various main courses and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
• Family Tradition: This recipe has been passed down through generations, adding a touch of nostalgia and tradition to your meals. Share the story behind this dish with your loved ones for a special dining experience.
• Easy Weekday Lunches: Making double batches on Sundays can provide you with easy and flavorful weekday lunches. Simply add a splash of fresh rice vinegar to wake up the flavors before serving leftover portions.

Ingredients for Delicious Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

For the salad

• 5 Persian cucumbers
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the dressing

• 1/2-1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 3/4 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (optional)
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3/4 tablespoon light soy sauce

How to Make Delicious Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Slice the cucumbers

Wash the Persian cucumbers, then slice one end at an angle. Proceed to slice at an angle to create oval-shaped slices, adjusting thickness as desired.

Step 2: Salt the cucumbers

Put the sliced cucumbers in a bowl or container, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and mix thoroughly to distribute the salt evenly.

Step 3: Draw out water

Chill the salted cucumbers for a minimum of 20 minutes to remove excess water and maintain crispness.

Step 4: Drain and rinse

Drain the water from the cucumbers and rinse them under cold water for 10 seconds before returning them to the bowl.

Step 5: Add dressing ingredients

Combine sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (optional) with the cucumbers.

Step 6: Mix and serve

Mix until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve promptly for optimal taste and texture.

Storage Tips

After making the Easy Asian Cucumber Salad, store any leftovers in glass containers in the refrigerator. The salad can maintain its quality for up to three days, thanks to the quick salt technique used in the recipe. To prevent flavor transfer, it’s recommended to store the salad in glass containers rather than plastic. Before serving any leftover portions, drain any accumulated liquid and give it a quick toss with a splash of fresh rice vinegar to refresh the flavors.

This cucumber salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with various main courses or can be enjoyed on its own. It adapts beautifully to different additions like radish slices, julienned carrots, or soaked red onions. For a visually appealing presentation, sprinkle black and white sesame seeds on top just before serving. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner party, this salad’s cool crunch, savory depth, and gentle tang make it a crowd-pleaser that surprises with its simplicity and delicious flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

For this Asian cucumber salad recipe, if you don’t have Persian cucumbers on hand, you can substitute them with English cucumbers or regular slicing cucumbers. Just be sure to peel the skin if using regular cucumbers as it can be tough. English cucumbers are a good alternative as they have a similar mild flavor and crunchy texture.

If you don’t have all the specified oils and vinegars, you can make some substitutions. For instance, if you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil for a different flavor profile. Similarly, if you’re out of rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. These substitutions may alter the flavor slightly, but they will still result in a tasty cucumber salad. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences to customize the dressing to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider turning this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad into a vibrant and refreshing appetizer by spooning it into individual lettuce cups or endive leaves. The crisp cucumber slices and flavorful dressing will nestle beautifully in the leafy cups, creating a visually appealing and easy-to-eat finger food option for parties or gatherings. The combination of textures and flavors will delight your guests, making it a perfect starter to set the tone for the rest of the meal.

Another unique way to serve this salad is by incorporating it into sushi rolls. Use the marinated cucumbers as a filling alongside avocado, crab, or smoked salmon for a delicious twist on traditional sushi. The tangy-savory dressing will add a burst of flavor to each bite, complementing the other ingredients perfectly. Serve the sushi rolls with soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger for a complete and satisfying meal that showcases the versatility of this Asian-inspired cucumber salad.

FAQs for Delicious Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Can I substitute the Persian cucumbers with regular cucumbers?

Yes, you can substitute Persian cucumbers with regular cucumbers. However, Persian cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and crisp texture, which work well in this salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes, this cucumber salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to three days. Just make sure to drain any accumulated liquid before serving and give it a quick toss with a splash of rice vinegar to refresh the flavors.

What can I serve this Asian cucumber salad with?

This cucumber salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. It provides a refreshing counterpoint to rich or spicy main courses. Serve it alongside dishes like sticky teriyaki chicken, spicy Sichuan dishes, grilled meats, or even simple rice and grilled tofu for a complete meal.

Can I customize this salad with additional ingredients?

Yes, you can customize this cucumber salad by adding ingredients like paper-thin radish slices for a peppery bite, julienned carrots for sweetness, or thinly sliced red onions soaked in rice vinegar to tame their sharpness. Feel free to experiment and personalize the salad to your liking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side to complement a heavy meal or a light and satisfying lunch option, this salad is a perfect choice. The balance of flavors and textures in this salad will leave your taste buds delighted and your guests coming back for more.

So next time you’re in need of a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit, remember Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. With its easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and long-lasting crunch, it’s a recipe that you’ll find yourself turning to time and time again. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out on your culinary journey, this salad is a perfect addition to your repertoire. Enjoy the process of creating this dish and savor the delicious results!

Delicious Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

“Crunchy, tangy, and refreshing Asian cucumber salad with a secret salt technique that keeps it crisp and flavorful for days.”

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Prep Time25 Minutes

Cook Time~ undefined

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineAsian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

For the salad

• 5 Persian cucumbers
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the dressing

• 1/2-1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 3/4 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (optional)
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3/4 tablespoon light soy sauce

Instructions

1. Slice the cucumbers: Wash the Persian cucumbers, then slice one end at an angle. Proceed to slice at an angle to create oval-shaped slices, adjusting thickness as desired.
2. Salt the cucumbers: Put the sliced cucumbers in a bowl or container, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and mix thoroughly to distribute the salt evenly.
3. Draw out water: Chill the salted cucumbers for a minimum of 20 minutes to remove excess water and maintain crispness.
4. Drain and rinse: Drain the water from the cucumbers and rinse them under cold water for 10 seconds before returning them to the bowl.
5. Add dressing ingredients: Combine sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (optional) with the cucumbers.
6. Mix and serve: Mix until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve promptly for optimal taste and texture.