The Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is a perfect blend of fresh cucumbers, a tangy sesame oil dressing, and a spicy kick from chili garlic sauce. Its crunchy texture combined with the flavor-packed dressing makes it an irresistible dish.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing snack or a side dish to accompany your main course, this salad is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. The balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors creates a dynamic combination that enhances any meal. Perfect for warm weather, it’s the ideal dish to bring to barbecues or serve as a light lunch.
Full Recipe:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (or more to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
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1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 green onion, finely sliced (optional)
Directions:
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Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a medium bowl.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, chili garlic sauce, sesame seeds, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the cucumber slices and toss well to coat.
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Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Garnish with additional cilantro and green onion before serving (optional).
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 45 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Dish
If you are looking for a refreshing, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, look no further than the Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad. This vibrant salad features thinly sliced cucumbers, tossed in a spicy, tangy dressing that brings a perfect balance of heat and crunch. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side, a snack, or even a light main course, especially during warm weather when you crave something cool and invigorating.
Health Benefits of Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Cucumbers are not only refreshing but also packed with essential nutrients. They are low in calories, making them a perfect choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet or shed a few pounds. Cucumbers are also rich in water, which helps to keep you hydrated, and they provide a good amount of fiber, which aids in digestion. This salad, paired with the flavorful dressing, offers a boost of antioxidants from the sesame oil and the health benefits of chili garlic sauce.
The dressing itself is made with sesame oil, which is known for its rich source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Rice vinegar adds a tangy touch and is known for its ability to improve digestion, while the chili garlic sauce adds a kick of spice that is both flavorful and can promote circulation and boost metabolism. Together, these ingredients create a dressing that not only enhances the taste of cucumbers but also contributes positively to your health.
How to Make This Salad Your Own: Variations
One of the great things about Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
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Add Protein: While this salad is perfect on its own, you can make it more filling by adding protein. Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
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Adjust the Spice Level: The chili garlic sauce adds a noticeable heat to the salad, but you can adjust the spice level according to your preferences. Add more sauce if you love it spicy, or reduce the amount for a milder version. Alternatively, you can substitute the chili garlic sauce with a milder sriracha sauce.
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Incorporate More Vegetables: Though cucumbers are the star of this dish, you can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or red onions for added color and texture. These vegetables also complement the spicy dressing and make the salad even more satisfying.
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Vegan and Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free, but if you want to ensure it stays entirely plant-based, be sure to choose a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for the dressing.
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
To ensure you get the best flavor and texture from your Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad, consider the following tips:
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Use Fresh Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp cucumbers will make all the difference in this dish. Try to pick cucumbers that are firm, without any soft spots. If you can, opt for Persian cucumbers, which are thinner-skinned and have a mild, delicate flavor.
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Let the Salad Rest: While you can certainly eat the salad immediately, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes after tossing the cucumbers in the dressing allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The cucumbers will soften slightly and absorb more of the dressing, making the salad even tastier.
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Use a Mandoline: If you want to achieve perfectly thin, uniform cucumber slices, a mandoline slicer is a great tool. It helps ensure each slice is the same thickness, which is important for consistency and for achieving the right texture in the salad.
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Balance the Dressing: Taste your dressing before pouring it over the cucumbers. Depending on the brand of soy sauce or chili garlic sauce you use, the dressing may need a bit more sweetness or acidity. You can always adjust with a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar if needed.
Serving Suggestions for Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas on how to serve this salad:
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As a Side Dish: This salad is a fantastic accompaniment to many Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fried noodles, fried rice, or grilled meats. It adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to richer, heavier dishes.
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As a Light Lunch or Snack: On a hot summer day, this salad can be a quick and satisfying lunch or snack. If you’re looking for a low-calorie meal, it’s the perfect option, especially when paired with a side of edamame or a small bowl of miso soup.
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As a Topping: You can also use this spicy cucumber salad as a topping for other dishes, like rice bowls, tacos, or even sandwiches. It adds a crunchy, zesty element that elevates any meal.
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Perfect for Parties: Because it’s so simple to make, Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is an excellent dish to bring to potlucks, barbecues, or family gatherings. It’s light and refreshing, offering a nice balance to other heavier party foods.
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad for Any Occasion
This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is ideal for many different occasions. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a weeknight dinner, or preparing a meal prep for the week, this salad fits into almost any meal plan. It’s a great way to add flavor and color to your table, without the need for complicated ingredients or hours of preparation.
The freshness of the cucumbers combined with the spicy, tangy dressing is not only a treat for your taste buds but also offers a light, healthy option that can help balance out heavier meals. The versatility of the salad also makes it perfect for customizing based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish
In conclusion, the Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is an easy, vibrant, and healthy recipe that brings together the flavors of Asian cuisine in a simple, yet refreshing way. Whether you make it as a side dish, snack, or light meal, it’s sure to please anyone who loves bold, zesty flavors. The salad is not only delicious but also provides a range of health benefits, making it a guilt-free treat that can be enjoyed year-round.
If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful addition to your meal plan, this Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect choice. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Give it a try and enjoy the refreshing flavors of this easy-to-make salad today!